Travis Egedy, otherwise known as Pictureplane, is one of independent music's most progressive, avante-garde and straight-up rocking artists. He also happens to be a Denver local and recently sat down with me to talk about music, evolving human consciousness and what it's like being an artist in Denver.
Tell us a little background about Pictureplane -- how you got started and what it's like being an artist in Denver?I moved to Denver seven years ago to attend art school at RMCAD. I started going to a DIY spot in downtown Denver called "Monkey Mania" in early 2005. I met some amazing people in the local underground art and noise scenes and just started playing shows and having fun. Denver is a great place to be an artist. I have friends in New York and LA who pay four times as much as I do to survive, and there is a community of people here that are very special and talented.
What drew you to electronic music, especially your hip-hop influences?I started out making hip-hop and have always loved rap my whole life. It will always be an influence. Hip-hop is electronic music. People don't think of it that way, but I am glad I have it as a base for what I am doing now.
Tell me about your regular "Real is a Feeling" nights at Meadowlark? What inspired you to start an open, freeform dance music night?"Real is a Feeling" came from me seeing what I felt was a void in Denver club's nights ... [It needed] alternative dance parties where actual good music is played. Denver is, for some reason, just discovering dubstep and is still wrapped up in shitty electro music. So we started our own party, and I feel comfortable saying it is the best dance night in Denver.
Tell us about your music and art venue Rhinoceropolis?Rhinoceropolis is an institution now. It has been established in Denver for five and a half years, which is almost unheard of for most DIY warehouse spaces. It's part of Denver history and folklore. It's a space where we allow culture to flower, a place where you can do anything you want and don't have to worry about what will sell tickets at a bar or local art gallery. It is a place for the next age.
How do you conjure up the innovative, avante-garde sounds in your live and recorded work?I have a large interest in the idea of humanity and consciousness evolving, growing and understanding ourselves better. So much is forced upon us, and we are so oppressed psychically. We are capable of so much, and our true selves are very powerful, so powerful that it scares both ourselves and those who are controlling us. It is important for me to talk about this kind of stuff and explore it through my art. A lot of what I create is drawing from magic, anarchism, mysticism and futurism. We are obviously living in a extremely special time ... I want to help energize us as human beings.
What can we expect from your next album? How does it differ from your first full-length release, "Dark Rift?"I am almost finished with a new full-length album. It's called "Thee Physical" [and] deals with sexuality ... touch and our sensual understanding of the physical world though our hands.
What is your favorite record store in Denver?Wax Trax will always be the realest.
Besides Rhinocerpolis, what is your next favorite venue to play in Denver?I have had a lot of fun at Meadowlark.
Quick Guide to Travis Edgey's Favorites:Rhinoceropolis3553 Brighton Blvd.Upcoming Pictureplane Shows: Fri. Apr. 4 at 9pm; $5
Meadowlark2701 Larimer St. (Downstairs); 303-293-0251
Wax Trax638 E. 13th Ave.; 303-831-7246