Moogfest 2012 Is 'Synth Geek' Heaven
Electronic music pioneer Robert Moog’s legacy is long and storied, influencing everyone from ABBA to George Clinton to the Beastie Boys to Cut Copy. Just how wide the iconic knob-twiddler's influence has been is evident by the stunningly eclectic lineup of the third annual Moogfest, slated for October 26 and 27 in Moog’s hometown of Asheville, N.C.
Called the "Star Trek convention for synthesizer geeks," Moogfest is serving up a diverse bill that includes Orbital, Swedish indie-electro outfit Miike Snow, Richie Hawtin, Squarepusher (pictured), Four Tet, Shpongle, '80s synth icon Thomas Dolby, Actress, Pantha Du Prince and Santigold. On the hip-hop end of things, El-P and Killer Mike are on the bill, while Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA will perform his classic Liquid Swords album in its entirety.
Moog synthesizers, of course, will be the common thread, as each act will pay homage to the synth trailblazer by incorporating his company's vintage gear into performances, whether it’s the Mini Moog, the classic Prodigy, the Theramin, the Little Phatty or even the Moog Guitar. Shows will be at different venues around Asheville, including the U.S. Cellular Centre, the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium, the Orange Peel nightclub and Asheville Music Hall.
Tickets for the two-day festival go on sale Friday at noon at moogfest.com.
