FRIDAY THE 13TH: BURN NIGHTCLUB
PHOTOS: Kevin Goss Ross
The Durban leg of Max Normal.TV's Good Morning South Africa, MTV RAPS, Puma-affiliated album launch tour was a pretty Loki affair; several confused and intrigued-looking Burn regulars, the members of Durban's early-'90s-neon-tracksuit-top, sideways-cap,indoor-sunglasses electro mafia that weren't heading off to Westville for The Social Workers, and me. As usual, “The man with the plan,” Max Normal, was his magically off-centre and intense, multi-personality-channeling, hip-hop misfit self. It's just a sad fact that these days, all art, it seems, needs advertising to survive. Everything needs to be "monetised" and made "viable" – as the "Neon Don Likes Puma", and "Yo-Landi's hair by Scar" additions to the new and revamped "visuals for the Max Normal.TV, high-energy hip hop, Powerpoint presentation" testify.
To quote photographer Kevin Goss Ross, Max Normal.TV's set was “A verbal massacre. A word tornado. No no, an insanity hurricane of kiff.” Backed by The Neon Don, Justin De Nobrega, and Yo-Landi Visser, Max spat and mumbled his way through a passionate tribute to oddball South Africa. According to the website, “Max Normal raps about real things that happen around him during his normal, every day life. Max Normal's world is a dark, dangerous and exotic place, full of all kinds of unexpected twists and turns” – from Tik, Eugene Terror, gay sex, and remixes of DJ Fuck, to little bits of Mickey Avalon, New Order, and even Marilyn Manson (“I don't like the drugs, but the drugs like me,” from “Tik, Tik, Tik”).
The bodymovin' vibe that Max Normal.TV managed to cultivate in that mixed bag of people is a tribute to both the band's commitment to their characters and their energy as performers (this time, Max/Waddy's role-playing even included momentarily-disappearing wardrobe changes).
Max Normal is a natural frontman. A born entertainer. And onstage, he's an uncontrollable force, with a dangerous-looking nervous twitch, and a tendency to ignite, and float uncomfortably over your head.
Watch the new music video for “Total Fuck Up” by clicking the link below. The video was written, directed and produced by Max Normal and Yo-Landi Visser.
In closing, here are some inspirational words from the main man himself, from the song “Love Is”:
“Choose the quickest way between two points.
Don't waste your energy on bullshit interaction.
Don't be scared of anything except letting yourself down.
Out do yourself. Work harder than anyone else.
Now, make very clear distinctions between parasites and creators.
Be a creator instead of a second hand, artificial flavour.
Do not concern yourself with anyone's opinion of your method, save your own.
Be three steps ahead of everyone, and I promise you'll make it home.
Don't sleep too much.”
Checkout www.maxnormal.tv for more info.
“If your days are dark, and your friends are few. Remember, Max Normal.TV is there for you.”
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