Maven Dooshe, 2007 (ongoing)
performance
Maven Dooshe is a fictional, but active, band created by artist Kevin Strickland (http://kevinstrickland.com). Two band member roles, Maven and Dooshe, were filled by artists Mooshe Nickerson and Dave Valeza for the band's premiere live performance: an album release double-booked at the same time and place as the opening reception for Strickland's MFA thesis 'Zero Heros' (2007).
The album consisted of field recordings and chatter from discarded cassette tapes mixed over-top Internet sounds including low-view YouTube videos, AT&T voice-generation software and simple keyboard melodies. The album was violently promoted in the weeks prior to the show via online video podcasts that took visual cues from propaganda and social media cliches (including online slideshow generation websites). Band members kept silent on artist statement and intention to increase expectations.
Despite these methods of hype the band's album was never played at its release party. A collection of cassettes from popular 80s musicians were played in its place. Few attendees purchased the album as it was exclusively released on cassette. In place of music sales the band sold 'merch' including trapper keepers, stickers and clear plastic back packs-- leftover media from earlier art projects by Stirckland.
The resulting hullabaloo of dancing, shouting and purchasing reinforced the themes present but understated in Strickland's featured paintings. 'Zero Heros' is a series of oil paintings of trading cards with all identifying imagery and text removed. The subtle white canvases portray the worthlessness of cards to a public outside of collectors and enthusiasts.
The Maven Dooshe project continues as a collaborative. Current contributions focus on pure appropriation of sound with little editing or musical additions.
If you would like to join the project, we encourage you to perform under the name Maven Dooshe at your local karaoke night. Karaoke is the most widely available "IRL" forum for stolen and misused music. It spreads the band's Artist Statement, the opportunity to listen again.
For more information please consult the Internet.
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