Rob Finder

Art vs. Porn (AKA Those Freaky Germans)

2009-10-04T18:09:00.002+11:00

I recently watched the new Rammstein clip 'Pussy'. I had heard a lot about this clip since it was released not long ago, and I'm sure anyone who knows this band has heard about this new track.

I wasn't surprised to hear that this clip was pulled and banned from YouTube when it was released. Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, 'Pussy' is a satirical, tongue-in-cheek look at censorship and the band's inability to get laid in Germany. The film clip begins as series of staged porn sets, each with the typical porn archetypes, for example, the CEO and the secretary.

The film clip then turns into graphic hardcore porn, complete with money shots (Not quite what I was expecting, but not totally random, considering Rammstein's onstage antics).

To me, it a parody of the music clip, and the effect of censorship on artists' work. In between each scene, the band performs in front of the German flag, so I guess they have some beef with German censorship laws. My German is nowhere near is as good as it should be, so looking at the English translation of the lyrics, it is based around the narrator travelling internationally in search of a shag.

The clip legally can't be viewed by anyone under the age of 18 (in Australia anyway), and in theory, this could isolate a large group of their fanbase. Interesting to note though, I was told about this clip by a 17 year old.

I'm reminded of the drama surrounding Marilyn Manson's clip for (s)Aint, which was subsequently banned because it is alleged that everything that occurs in that clip actually occurred and is graphically represented.

I understand, and fully support, artists who challenge what is deemed acceptable and push the envelope, but is there a line between art and decency? If I wanted to watch porn under the guise of art or a music clip, I would do so. At what point does it cease to be art and become gratuity?

Everyone I know has a (frequently updated) blog...

2009-10-01T00:00:00.001+10:00

...and so I'm suffering a sense of web 2.0 inadequacy.

Despite my constant and obsessive status updates, friend requesting, commenting, confirming, joining, @-ing, messaging, denying, chatting, liking, unliking, posting, and uploading, I've just re-committed to another space where I can talk about whatever I choose. And hopefully you will like it.

I imagine this blog will focus around music/audio/arts/geekery (mine and others'), letting you know what I'm doing, and what I'm liking/not liking. I'd like to know what you are up to and what you're into as well.

Welcome to my (new-ish) blog.

Rob.

U13 - New track up!

2008-10-19T15:32:00.002+11:00

Hi,

We have just put up a track from our upcoming album thesexthedeaththedisco on our site www.unitthirteen.com. Head on over and turn it up! It is remix of my track Darker Under Light, glitchy hard hitting electro goodness :)

Cheers,
Rob.

Unit 13

2008-08-03T22:55:00.003+10:00

I'm working with my flatmate, Ivan Teklic (aka Jet Black) on a new project, Unit 13. We are in the middle of putting together our debut album and getting a website up and running. Check us out on myspace for now.

NOISICIAN now on iTunes

2008-02-29T00:53:00.003+11:00

NOISICIAN is now available on iTunes for $AU6.79, and is also available as a limited edition digipack CD or mp3 EP here at CDBaby.com for $US6.00.

NOISICIAN CD, BABY

2008-01-17T00:57:00.000+11:00

For US customers, NOISICIAN is now available online at CDBaby. It's $US8 for either the limited edition premium digipack edition, or for the download version for iPods etc.

VAEIN is also up on last.fm. I have set up a personal page and an artist's page, where you can preview NOISICIAN, download 'Scarlet' for free and scrobble VAEIN :) Have a look here.

I have begun working on new material that I will post here when it's ready.

Cheers,
Vaein.

NOISICIAN NOW AVAILABLE ONLINE

2008-01-02T01:29:00.000+11:00

NOISICIAN, Vaein's debut EP, is now available for purchase exclusively through Vaein's Backstage Area. It is available as either a digital download with album art (mp3, 320kbps) or as a limited edition digipack with a free badge and magnet for those who get in quick. Go Backstage with Vaein here.

a new vaein.com

2007-11-07T00:58:00.000+11:00

Hi there,

Welcome to vaein.com. I hadn't done anything with this site in a long time, I have put it up again to support my debut EP, 'Noisician'. So have a look around, have a listen to samples of the EP, and leave me a message if you like.

Wednesday November 28, 6-8pm is the opening night of the COFA Annual Exhibition. As an Honours student I am having my work exhibited, including Noisician, so it's your opportunity to get the CD with a whole lot of free merchandise and cheap alcohol.

Cheers,
Rob.