Before I get too deep into Gerald Donald I think it's time for a recap on the main Drexciya points I've made in DRL so far. Because of the nature of the Blog format new comers have to dive straight into the latest post and if they go no further will get a very confusing introduction to my intentions for the site. Not to mention that the word count here long ago passed a point where you could just dip in and because people tend to skim read the web this also does not suit my content here. The Blog format is also quite a baffling place to locate specific information and while the website version does help to address some of these issues I've come up with a DRL FAQ to help people out. Basically when I'm dealing with such a mysterious and enigmatic grouping as Drexciya and Gerald Donald I am factual when I can be and speculative when I have to be.
DRL FAQ
Q 1. Why isn't Grava 4 Storm number 4?
A: Grava 4 is not storm number 4 because in the artwork for the Abstract Thought album it states that it is 'Drexciya Storm #4'. Grava 4 is also distinct from the other 7 albums because it is the only one which is not listed as being a Dimensional Waves production.
Q 2. The message you find in the Storm Series, is that your opinion or is it really there?
A: It is my opinion, which I have always clearly stated, but there is a message which is there to be worked out.
Q 3:What is the basic message/story you get from the Storm Series?
#1 Harnessed The Storm: Drexciya get metaphorically kicked out of the paradise of their underwater home because they forget the meaning of life and so begin a journey of rediscovery.
#2 Transllusion: They begin this journey by looking within and exploring their mental dimensions
#3 The Other People Place: Next they follow love in all its forms.
#4 Abstract Thought: They further stretch their minds by exploring 6 hypothetical situations.
#5 Lab Rat XL: They prepare their bodies for the physical trip home by carrying out 6 biological exercises.
#6 L.I.F.E.: They ultimately learn to overcome their fear of death, how to roll with the punches of life and remember the meaning of life, evolution. Paradise is regained at this point but now they go further.
#7 Shifted Phases: They can now begin the physical journey through space which ends in their final flux before they arrive at their long sought ultimate utopia, the Drexciya Home Universe they find in Grava 4.
For the details of each storm I would advise close reading of the original articles and even following up some of the references I make for this speculative material.
Q. 4: Evolution is the meaning of life in the Storm Series, please expand.
A: "Evolution is simply the capacity to register meanings that are already there. We are evolving into a universe that becomes progressively more fascinating as we learn to register new vibrations." -Colin Wilson.
More and more DRL makes sense to me as an on-going work in progress as this succinct interpretation of the Storm series was not evident to me the first time round. In trying to boil the meaning of each Storm down into one sentence this DRL FAQ (not a Drexciya FAQ) revealed the simplicity of their vital message. I could if I had the time rewrite each article and follow more closely just this theme but that would be to ignore the metaphor of the physical journey to Utopia which is also present throughout the series. This gradual approach might not be to everybody's tastes but as we grow older, have new experiences, even evolve, how can we ever write the last word on a subject or say that we have reached the end point of an investigation?
One thing we do know for sure was that Drexciya told us 'Don't be afraid of evolution'. The universe is infinite and we are a part of this universe and so have the potential for exploring and even becoming infinity ourselves. This has to be our ultimate destiny, we may forget this from time to time and get kicked out of paradise but the curiosity of Man and his search for meaning in the world and wider universe is what has got us this far and it will eventually take us the rest of the way. Storm #2 through to #6 are all evolutionary steps, the series as a whole is a reminder of this process and reassures us not to be afraid of evolution.
Q 5: What did James Stinson himself say about meaning in the Storm Series?
“They’re all linked, but there are very small, little links that you have to really listen to and even look at the titles or artwork that’s going to lead you to the next one and so forth and so on and you will see the cycle and the connection.”
“I suppose we’re trying to say ‘enjoy life’ with these albums. The world has become a dark place and it’s our job to entertain, make people happy and put the fun back in the music. That’s what Drexciya is about in the first instance and that’s why our concepts have become deeper lately. Sure, we’re political and deal with reality, but we also leave the door open so people can create, explore and go into their own world.”
Q 6: What story did you find in The Quest?
A: Again this was my own interpretation but firstly we are introduced to the underwater world of Drexciya and explore and adapt to it until we reach a point where we have to return home. Drexciya warn us that they are ‘going deep this time’ which makes this both a warning and a choice. It is not an easy journey but we make it by placing our trust in them. This quest ultimately leads us to discovering our true selves.
Q 7: Why are you sharing your interpretations with us?
I chose to share them for a number of reasons but primarily because I'm a conceptual artist and I applaud this when I recognise it the work of others. Also, as no-one else had done any work on the subject it was too good a field of research to miss. I like people to question things and think for themselves, to look for the meaning or the lack thereof in whatever surrounds them in their everyday lives. If you have found something totally different or a variation on what I've found or nothing at all I respect your opinion; if it’s genuine for you it's as valid as anything I've come up with. So take my speculations with a pinch of salt for sure, just make an informed decision about it for yourself.
It’s also worth pointing out that the beginnings of this endeavour was simply to compile all the James Stinson interviews as just another tribute page I guess and the rest just gradually grew like anything would when you post roughly every month. I am as surprised as anyone that I’m still doing it. I guess I continue because I am still getting a number of things from it. Like learning more about Drexciya and the subjects they seem to touch on, connecting with people, a break from my everyday routine and hopefully doing my small bit in keeping the name Drexciya out there. We shouldn’t take them for granted, give it enough time and people forget, their records are already out of press, a future without Drexciya would be a future worse off.
Not really feeling the loose ends of Dopplereffekt right now, combination of prolonged good weather, in a mood to listen to Arvo Part more than anything else and buying a house, but will get there.
DRL FAQ
Q 1. Why isn't Grava 4 Storm number 4?
A: Grava 4 is not storm number 4 because in the artwork for the Abstract Thought album it states that it is 'Drexciya Storm #4'. Grava 4 is also distinct from the other 7 albums because it is the only one which is not listed as being a Dimensional Waves production.
Q 2. The message you find in the Storm Series, is that your opinion or is it really there?
A: It is my opinion, which I have always clearly stated, but there is a message which is there to be worked out.
Q 3:What is the basic message/story you get from the Storm Series?
#1 Harnessed The Storm: Drexciya get metaphorically kicked out of the paradise of their underwater home because they forget the meaning of life and so begin a journey of rediscovery.
#2 Transllusion: They begin this journey by looking within and exploring their mental dimensions
#3 The Other People Place: Next they follow love in all its forms.
#4 Abstract Thought: They further stretch their minds by exploring 6 hypothetical situations.
#5 Lab Rat XL: They prepare their bodies for the physical trip home by carrying out 6 biological exercises.
#6 L.I.F.E.: They ultimately learn to overcome their fear of death, how to roll with the punches of life and remember the meaning of life, evolution. Paradise is regained at this point but now they go further.
#7 Shifted Phases: They can now begin the physical journey through space which ends in their final flux before they arrive at their long sought ultimate utopia, the Drexciya Home Universe they find in Grava 4.
For the details of each storm I would advise close reading of the original articles and even following up some of the references I make for this speculative material.
Q. 4: Evolution is the meaning of life in the Storm Series, please expand.
A: "Evolution is simply the capacity to register meanings that are already there. We are evolving into a universe that becomes progressively more fascinating as we learn to register new vibrations." -Colin Wilson.
More and more DRL makes sense to me as an on-going work in progress as this succinct interpretation of the Storm series was not evident to me the first time round. In trying to boil the meaning of each Storm down into one sentence this DRL FAQ (not a Drexciya FAQ) revealed the simplicity of their vital message. I could if I had the time rewrite each article and follow more closely just this theme but that would be to ignore the metaphor of the physical journey to Utopia which is also present throughout the series. This gradual approach might not be to everybody's tastes but as we grow older, have new experiences, even evolve, how can we ever write the last word on a subject or say that we have reached the end point of an investigation?
One thing we do know for sure was that Drexciya told us 'Don't be afraid of evolution'. The universe is infinite and we are a part of this universe and so have the potential for exploring and even becoming infinity ourselves. This has to be our ultimate destiny, we may forget this from time to time and get kicked out of paradise but the curiosity of Man and his search for meaning in the world and wider universe is what has got us this far and it will eventually take us the rest of the way. Storm #2 through to #6 are all evolutionary steps, the series as a whole is a reminder of this process and reassures us not to be afraid of evolution.
Q 5: What did James Stinson himself say about meaning in the Storm Series?
“They’re all linked, but there are very small, little links that you have to really listen to and even look at the titles or artwork that’s going to lead you to the next one and so forth and so on and you will see the cycle and the connection.”
“I suppose we’re trying to say ‘enjoy life’ with these albums. The world has become a dark place and it’s our job to entertain, make people happy and put the fun back in the music. That’s what Drexciya is about in the first instance and that’s why our concepts have become deeper lately. Sure, we’re political and deal with reality, but we also leave the door open so people can create, explore and go into their own world.”
Q 6: What story did you find in The Quest?
A: Again this was my own interpretation but firstly we are introduced to the underwater world of Drexciya and explore and adapt to it until we reach a point where we have to return home. Drexciya warn us that they are ‘going deep this time’ which makes this both a warning and a choice. It is not an easy journey but we make it by placing our trust in them. This quest ultimately leads us to discovering our true selves.
Q 7: Why are you sharing your interpretations with us?
I chose to share them for a number of reasons but primarily because I'm a conceptual artist and I applaud this when I recognise it the work of others. Also, as no-one else had done any work on the subject it was too good a field of research to miss. I like people to question things and think for themselves, to look for the meaning or the lack thereof in whatever surrounds them in their everyday lives. If you have found something totally different or a variation on what I've found or nothing at all I respect your opinion; if it’s genuine for you it's as valid as anything I've come up with. So take my speculations with a pinch of salt for sure, just make an informed decision about it for yourself.
It’s also worth pointing out that the beginnings of this endeavour was simply to compile all the James Stinson interviews as just another tribute page I guess and the rest just gradually grew like anything would when you post roughly every month. I am as surprised as anyone that I’m still doing it. I guess I continue because I am still getting a number of things from it. Like learning more about Drexciya and the subjects they seem to touch on, connecting with people, a break from my everyday routine and hopefully doing my small bit in keeping the name Drexciya out there. We shouldn’t take them for granted, give it enough time and people forget, their records are already out of press, a future without Drexciya would be a future worse off.
Not really feeling the loose ends of Dopplereffekt right now, combination of prolonged good weather, in a mood to listen to Arvo Part more than anything else and buying a house, but will get there.
Q 2.Then what does the 4 in Grava 4 mean?
ReplyDeleteA: In my opinion I think it is connected to the fact that there is no track listed on the album as being number 4. It skips from 3 to 5. Maybe track number 4 is called Grava?
You're reading to much into this. The tracktitle was not on the cd cover by mistake. The track is called 'gravity waves'.
Cheers, guess it's listed on LP, which I obviously don't have. Will amend prev posts.
ReplyDeleteNice work :)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to your next article.
Re: Storm numbering
ReplyDeleteApologies if this has been covered before but my vinyl copy of Lab Rat XL says that it's "the 7th and last storm from Drexciya". How does this tie in with you having Shifted Phases at #7? (only have a promo copy of this album so have no details of any publsihed storm number)
Keep up the good work, an excellent blog!
Whoops! Read you piece re numbering. Please ignore!!!
ReplyDelete