Conform To Deform: The Weird And Wonderful World Of Some Bizzare

Some Bizzare was an influential independent record label in the 1980s, known for its debut release featuring early tracks from Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, and The The, and for its roster of artists such as Marc Almond, Cabaret Voltaire, Einsturzende Neubauten, Foetus, Swans, Coil, and Psychic TV. The label's self-styled boss Stevo Pearce's unconventional dealings with the industry were legendary, and his preternatural ability to spot talent meant his label was responsible for releasing some of the decade's most forward-thinking, transgressive, and influential music. The story spans the globe, from ecstasy parties in New York to video shoots in the Peruvian jungle, from events in disused tube stations to seedy sex shows in Soho, and includes million-selling singles, run-ins with the Vice Squad, destruction at the ICA, death threats, meltdowns, and, of course, sex dwarves. Despite all this, Stevo and Some Bizzare left a legacy of incredible music that still has an influence and impact today.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 22 December 2022
Publisher: Outline Press Ltd

Some Bizzare was a pioneering force in the world of outsider music during the 1980s, alongside Factory, Mute, and Creation. The label's debut release showcased a who's who of electronic music, featuring early tracks from Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, and The The. Over the next decade, their roster expanded to include artists such as Marc Almond, Cabaret Voltaire, Einsturzende Neubauten, Foetus, Swans, Coil, and Psychic TV.

Stevo Pearce, the self-styled label boss, is known for his unconventional dealings with the industry. His playful and sometimes less-than-playful actions, such as sending teddy bears to meetings in his place or destroying offices at Phonogram and terrorizing staff, are legendary. Despite these challenges, Pearce was a force to be reckoned with. His preternatural ability to spot talent resulted in the release of some of the decade's most forward-thinking, transgressive, and influential music.

The Some Bizzare story spans the globe, from ecstasy parties in early 80s New York to video shoots in the Peruvian jungle, from events in disused tube stations to seedy sex shows in Soho. The label experienced its fair share of controversies, including million-selling singles, run-ins with the Vice Squad, destruction at the ICA, death threats, meltdowns, and, of course, sex dwarves. For a time, Pearce had the music industry in the palm of his hands, but it all slipped through his fingers. However, he and Some Bizzare left a legacy of incredible music that continues to influence and impact today.

The label's debut release, "Some Bizzare 1," showcased a diverse range of artists and styles, from the experimental and avant-garde to the more commercial and pop-oriented. The album featured early tracks from Soft Cell, Depeche Mode, Blancmange, and The The, all of whom would go on to become influential figures in the electronic music scene. Over the next decade, Some Bizzare continued to release groundbreaking albums, including "Cabaret Voltaire," "Einsturzende Neubauten," and "Psychic TV."

One of the defining characteristics of Some Bizzare's music was its willingness to push boundaries and challenge conventions. The label was known for its experimental and avant-garde approach to music, often incorporating elements of noise, industrial, and other unconventional genres. This led to the creation of some of the most innovative and groundbreaking music of the 1980s, and it helped to establish Some Bizzare as a leading force in the independent music scene.

In addition to its music, Some Bizzare was also known for its unconventional approach to marketing and promotion. Pearce was a master of self-promotion, often using unconventional methods to promote his label and its artists. This included sending teddy bears to meetings in his place, destroying offices at Phonogram and terrorizing staff, and even organizing events in disused tube stations and seedy sex shows in Soho.

Despite its challenges and controversies, Some Bizzare remains a legendary label in the world of independent music. Its impact on the music industry and the cultural landscape is immeasurable, and its legacy continues to inspire and influence new generations of musicians and artists. The label's commitment to pushing boundaries and challenging conventions has helped to shape the course of music history, and its influence can be heard in the music of countless artists today.

In conclusion, Some Bizzare was a pioneering force in the world of outsider music during the 1980s, alongside Factory, Mute, and Creation. The label's debut release showcased a who's who of electronic music, and its roster expanded to include artists such as Marc Almond, Cabaret Voltaire, Einsturzende Neubauten, Foetus, Swans, Coil, and Psychic TV. Self-styled label boss Stevo Pearce's unconventional dealings with the industry are legendary, and his preternatural ability to spot talent resulted in the release of some of the decade's most forward-thinking, transgressive, and influential music. The Some Bizzare story spans the globe music industry, from ecstasy parties in New York to video shoots in the Peruvian jungle, from events in disused tube stations to seedy sex shows in Soho. Despite its challenges and controversies, the label left a legacy of incredible music that continues to influence and impact today, and its impact on the music industry and the cultural landscape is immeasurable.

Dimension: 215 x 150 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781911036951