Need something completely original? Itchy-O is your dark experimental orchestra with a complete 14 piece rhythm section, taiko drummers, and a dozen more electronic musicians ready to drive your work out of this world.
Denver’s itchy-O consists of 23 professional musicians across an array of percussion, electronic and traditional world/rock/stringed instruments. This includes a driving drum-corps battery, taiko drummers, and an arsenal of sonic tools, from theremin to synthesizers, vocoders, and custom-built waveform equipments. The collective is known for their pyrotechnic and interactive audience-engaging theatrical productions, but at its foundation is a commitment to constructing dynamic atmospheric soundscapes and dynamic musical compositions that engulf and provoke audiences, regardless of venue or media.
With a driving drum-corps battery, taiko drummers and an arsenal of electronics, the 57-member art collective’s live performances invite audience members to join into an experience of radical, transcendental musical celebration through dance. Lauded as one of today’s most unique musical performance groups, itchy-O awakens the senses, tests assumptions, and creates an opening for new experiences where identity and boundaries surrender and disband.
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Interview with ITCHY-O
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Go to the fringe. That's where innovation is happening.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Chu daiko, Microkorg, creamation gamelan, upright bass, Line 6 delay.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: 30 years.
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: Sophisticatedly Savage.
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: JG Thirwell. Masterful experimental orchestra work; Steroid Maximus, the Venture Bros.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Don't close mic the odaiko in a taiko section.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Experimental works.
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Percussion-driven pieces.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: There is no other orchestra delivering what we can. If you want something completely innovative you have just stumbled upon something very unique; a driving drum-corps battery, taiko drummers and an arsenal of electronics.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Music-Director, Scott Banning, works with clients to find out what their needs are. Commissioned pieces are written by the director then compositions are hammered out in rehearsals for approval.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: Itchy-O also works with Colorado-based recording studios Mighty Fine Productions and Evergroove Studio to track all percussion and mix/master, respectively, to provide a full-suite of production services available in a business-friendly environment. http://itchyo.com/sync-placement/
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Anyone using Immersive Dolby Atmos.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Currently, live events are our bread and butter. However, we are hot-to-trot to do more placement/commissioned sync work! Be the one that discovers this hidden goldmine.
- Kodo
- Butthole Surfers
- Crash Worship
- One Custom Made O-Hira Daiko (Big Drum)
