Igor’s Egg @ Johnny Brendas

Igor’s Egg @ Johnny Brenda’s! Tonight! More info here.

Philly Pecha Kucha 2 was packed with interesting presentations, but one in particular caught the attention of yours truly and fellow Geekadelphian, Far Mckon. Packed like sardines in the converted yoga studio/ stage, we found ourselves absorbed in a presentation given by two charmingly daper, suited men with blue hair. With their shadows casting over a large projection of a hand-drawn spaceship, the duo began explaining the fictional tales of “The Ultimate Tuh” and a fantasy jam-band that travels through space and time.

If you’re scratching your head but can’t seem to stop reading, you aren’t alone. I, too, felt like I was dropped into some weird Vonnegut-esque book-land, and decided to talk to these blue-haired band mates to get a better understanding of this self-proclaimed “sci-fi rock band”.

Click on the jump to read my interview with Igor’s Egg!

Bianca: So Dave, thanks for talking to Geekadelphia. Could you tell me a little more about Igor’s Egg and it’s roots?

Igor’s Egg: Igor’s Egg didn’t form like most bands…. We had recorded a demo “concept album” before full band ever got together. Dave Rosen (bass), Adam Nash (co-creator), and Jeff Scott (guitarist) have been playing music together since their high school days… Adam Nash went to college in Ithaca, NY and met some other musicians there: Samuel Henschen (co-creator), Liz Cary (violin), Sal Galati (drums) and Jon West (drums). When the band moved from Ithaca to Philadelphia in December, the line-up changed to our current 5-person band which features Dave Rosen (bass, vocals), Jeff Scott (guitar), Liz Cary (violin, vocals), Nate Lackey (Keyboards, vocals), and Carl Bahner (drums).

Bianca: That’s a lot of people and a lot of time to develop this band project! I’ve heard your music on your myspace page, but could you tell us a little more about your “sound”?

Igor’s Egg: We combined various writing styles and musical tastes to create a blend of music that is truly unique: orchestral melodies, funky grooves, epic compositions, and progressive changes…

Bianca: Got it. So, what’s the show like?

Igor’s Egg: At some shows, when we present the “Ultimate Tuh” live, we dress up as Horsechips and act-out and perform the story complete with film, lighting, drama/comedy, and of course, music…. [and] one day, we hope that every person who comes to an Igor’s Egg show will wear blue hair.

Bianca: …and you’re a concept band. So, what’s the concept?

Igor’s Egg take the incredible art of science-fiction storytelling and combines it with original music which serves as a soundtrack for the tales which unfold… Although we only have one album/book at this time, the world, characters, events, etc have been discussed and mapped out for several albums into the future… On some levels, the deepest and “geekiest” ideas of Igor’s Egg definitely serve a niche audience.

Bianca: How so?

Igor’s Egg: Not everyone is going to care about the details of the story. Some people will appreciate the music, some people will appreciate the artwork/lights, some people will appreciate the costumes and antics on stage, and others will really know every detail of the world of Amaris…. [Ultimately] that’s our goal: we want to have maps, interactive virtual worlds, action figures, comics…basically, as many forms of media as possible to bring our story to life.

Bianca: Are there any similar concept bands that have inspired you?

As far as I know, we are the first band to attempt to truly tell a continuous, coherent story through music/books/artwork/performance... [We're inspired by] Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, Phish, Watchmen, Frank Herbert, Isaac Asimov, J.R.R. Tolkien, Alan Moore. These are not all bands, but Igor’s Egg goes beyond the traditional conception of a band.

Note from the editor: I want to mention that this band also has an illustrated book called “The Ultimate Tuh”; It was developed by the band and the illustrations are done by local artist, Jim Kettner. And, um, according to Dave “..the book was written by Nancy Furball, a little-known, ball of fur from that sits atop Nancy’s head.” ….Whatever that actually means.

Bianca: So what is this “Horsechips” business you mentioned at Philly Pecha Kucha?

Igor’s Egg: Welcome to Amaris… [This is part of the fictional story that sets up their concept album]

Through the memoirs of a scientist from the future chronicling the end of the world, now you can experience this inspired tale of love, friendship, betrayal, and Dur! Phil and his struggling band Horsechips finally land a record deal. Little do they know that their excited ambitions are a mere component of one man’s conspiracy to change the world. When their album comes to life and goes on a murderous rampage, Phil and the guys must go on the most epic adventure they will ever experience – from cog worlds, to outer space, and even alternate dimensions – in search of the only thing capable of righting their own wrongs – the Ultimate Tuh!

Bianca: And you guys all have blue hair because…?

Igor’s Egg: Duh!? People living on Amaris have blue hair.

Bianca: Good to know. So, um– when can we see you next?

Igor’s Egg: Tonight at Johnny Brendas- we’re opening for UK Prog Legends, OZRIC TENTACLES! Show starts at 8 p.m.

Bianca: Thanks for talking to Geekadelphia!

If you aren’t able to witness the madness this evening in Fishtown, please show your support for these geekrock blue-hair fiends on Thursday, August 6^th at The Trocadero Balcony Bar.