active 1979

Merzbow

秋田昌美

Akita Masami, Masami Akita
Merzbow
© Jenny Akita
Noises, Electronics, Programming
Masami Akita
(1981 ~ 1989) Noises
Kiyoshi Mizutani (ex-member)
(1989 ~ 1999) Electronics
Reiko Azuma (Support Member, ex-member)
(1994 ~ 1996) Vocal, Dancer
Bara (Support Member, ex-member)
Merzbow is a noise project created in 1979 in Tokyo by Masami Akita. The name Merzbow refers to the miscellaneous Dada architectural constructions, the Merzbau, from the German artist Kurt Schwitter. Masami Akita's artistic and musical references are as numerous as they are varied, ranging from Dadaism and surrealism to bondage and pornography via Frank Zappa, King Crimson, and avant-garde musics.

Masami Akita is the founder of two independent labels, Lowest Music & Arts, and ZSF Produkt, under which he releases his own creations. He is also the author of several books and articles about the Japanese underground culture, contemporary art, architecture and avant-garde music. He is also interested in staging and photography, mainly of the art of bondage. Lastly, he actively supports the cause of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals), an association defending animal rights whose message is spread through several of his works.

Merzbow's music uses sounds with intense distortion made by all kinds of machines (samplers, synthesizers, effects pedals, computers...) or pre-recorded on audio tapes. He recorded more than 200 albums with several independent labels throughout the world, making him the most important and prolific artist of the noise world scene.
Author: Jerriel Translator: Murezor
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Latest Articles

Merzbow to Tour Europe and Canada © Jenny Akita

News

Merzbow to Tour Europe and Canada

Merzbow has announced new European and Canadian tours for this spring.

Merzbow © Jenny Akita

Biography

Merzbow

Merzbow

Interview with Akita Masami of Merzbow © Jenny Akita

Interview

Interview with Akita Masami of Merzbow

Shortly before his European tour, the creator of the noise project Merzbow granted JaME a short interview.

Merzbow European Tour © Merzbow

News

Merzbow European Tour

Merzbow will come to Europe this October

Latest Releases

Album CD 2020-02-28 2020-02-28
Merzbow
Album CD 2008-00-00 2008-00-00
Merzbow
Album 12-inch vinyl 2008-00-00 2008-00-00
Merzbow
Album CD 2008-00-00 2008-00-00
Merzbow
Album 12-inch vinyl 2008-00-00 2008-00-00
Merzbow
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