Hailing from Wellington, New Zealand, The All Seeing Hand (ASH) are a part-Mongolian throat singing, part-turntabling and part-drumming sonic sensation. The out-of-this-world trio are about to embark on their first 12-city China tour, courtesy of Chengdu-based promoter Kiwese.
Considering the band's intense sound, that critics have described as "seven levels of f**** up weirdness" (Sonic Masala), gig-goers are in for a mind- and eye-blowing show.
Before the tour kicks off at School Bar in Beijing (Wednesday, September 20), we catch up with band member and resident throat singer Jonny Marks to find out more about the band's unique noise and why the China tour is going to kick ass.
How would you describe The All Seeing Hand for any new listeners or would-be listeners?
It is an immersive sound. We are a band that exists in the PA: full frequencies for a full body response. The electronics and drums are locked in together to almost be one machine, but there is a humanity there - the sounds exist in an emotional realm. We can but attempt to elicit the ecstasy of feeling where one exists in juxtaposing states simultaneously.
Tell us a little bit about Ben Knight (drums) and David Morrison (AKA Alphabethead - turntables), who make up the rest of The All Seeing Hand.
I would describe them as great friends and I hope they would too. I also think that they are incredible musicians, in the fullest sense of the word. A true musician is capable of more than just playing notes in time, they create music as an entity.
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Why'd the band decide to tour China?
I lived in China 10 years ago, and have always wanted to return with a band, not as an English teacher. When I met Kristen Ng [Kiwese] a few years ago I realized that this hope could become a reality! And when she toured with another Wellington band, Orchestra of Spheres, with great success it made me even more determined. To have someone like Kristen in China is a great thing for New Zealand bands, and it is one of the reasons why now is a great time to tour. Kiwese has a great and growing tour circuit, and Kristen's passion for music makes her a fun person to work with. Ten years ago I think there were two venues in Beijing doing interesting stuff and about the same in Shanghai, so the fact that we are able to play twelve dates all over China, and still have venues to visit, makes me super excited about experiencing live music in China. It feels like it is fresh and full of energy.
Do you guys have any special plans for the China shows?
I'm looking forward to learning and putting our energy into making a show that translates for Chinese audiences. One of the things that we love is making a show that works as a total environment. Hopefully, we can meet local lighting and visual artists to help transform the performance into a new world. And if not, we hope the music is strong enough to take people on a journey and come out the other side with a sense of shared confusion and connection.
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How did you get into throat singing?
When I was music student one of my teachers played a recording of throat singing and I was immediately hooked. I was so captivated by the sound that I started from that moment on trying to imitate it. After a few years, I was aware that I was doing things wrong and had got myself as far as I could on my own. I bought a ticket to China and wandered the streets of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, in search of a teacher. I ended up finding a few teachers, two, in particular, gave me great insight and support. Every time I sing I find something to improve on.
On ASH's Facebook page, it seems that the band's not afraid to talk about politics - and even held a concert to raise money for refugees. Do you think artists have a responsibility to speak out?
I think that it is very important. We all have a responsibility to have ongoing conversations about politics, art and community. I don't believe that any piece of music can change anything specific, but I do believe that it can provide a sense of belonging, inspiration, joy and hope to the people and communities that are working towards change. Music can be a gateway towards more serious action. I also feel that the way that a band works is a manifestation of deeper principles of organization. We are all about collaboration, working with like minded people, equitable use of resources, recognition of each person's contribution, and generally enjoying and celebrating the company of all the people we meet and work with.
What have your hands seen?
I work in a hospital, so you really don't want to know.
Indeed. Lastly, why does a Google search throw up 'Ben Knight' as the sole band member of ASH and the genre as 'avant-garde jazz'?
I have often had [Ben] up about this. We have no idea about how these algorithms work... Ask Jeeves!
Poster art by Daily Secretion.
The All Seeing Hand (with support from E/N/T and Kaishandao)
BEIJING: Wed, Sep 20; RMB60 (advance), RMB80 (door); School Bar, see event listing.
SHANGHAI: Sat, Oct 7; tickets TBA; Yuyintang, see event listing.
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