Vintage gear enthusiast and reclusive composer, Ramiro Jeancarlo, is renowned the world over as Staccato Du Mal.
Under this handle, and in cahoots with post-punk electronica label Wierd Records, Jeancarlo has cemented a position for himself in the pantheon of contemporary coldwave, dark wave, and experimental, mostly-beat-oriented music.
Adding to the forever bubbling underground hype is a keep-'em-wanting-more approach that takes the concept as far as it can go without pulling the plug.
SDM is rarely spotted in the cyber-organic flesh outside of Jeancarlo's bedroom-slash-synthesizer dungeon, despite much international acclaim for the project's recorded works.
Although his most well known avatar's non-existence in the corporal world, Ramiro does his part to advance the cause of punk-goth-electronics via his semi-regular Zeitgeist party. The latest edition is tomorrow and we shot the mysterious mage behind Stacatto Du Mal some questions about what its like to bring cold wave to Coral Gables.
Crossfade: Is Zeitgeist a "party?" If not, how would you describe it?
Ramiro Jeancarlo: Zeitgeist is a free monthly event that my friend Gio Ardito and I started in hopes to offer Miami a taste of some good obscure '80s music, along with an occasional live act and visuals.
A lot of the genres you tout seem to be made-up hybrids. What gives?
Yes, these are our own made-up genres that flirt with the frequencies that flow in these events. Some of these genres also cater to the live act performing. Lots of sex, dancing, lounging, and counting dwarves. Your curiosity will leave you no choice but to attend.
What formats are employed? All vinyl? A mix of vinyl and digital?
Gio and I have extensive vinyl collections. I quit collecting many years ago and moved on to obtaining broken synths. Zeitgeist gives me the opportunity to dust off these old records that fuel my waxapingus sets! Our taste in vinyl is how Gio and I met. He has one of the best Italo collections I've ever seen. We are pretty hardcore about strictly playing vinyl, but I will occasionally bring a CDR of rare tapes I've recorded from my stash. Some songs are just too good to go unplayed. There will be an all-tape format event coming soon! Tape decks everywhere! Other than that guest DJs sometimes bring digital format.
Would you consider the music you play danceable?
Mostly upbeat songs, some mid-tempo, some loungy. I wouldn't call it "dance music," but the dance floor does get going.
Tell me about Siamese Pearl's upcoming performance at this week's edition.That act is on more of a noise, industrial tip right?
Carlos E. is a Miami-bred experimental artist and longtime practitioner of Thelema Magick. It will be a great show.
What is the present status of Staccato du Mal? I think I once heard a rumor that the project has never performed live? Is that true?
Other than every other day in my living room? LOL. I did a Staccato show in Germany years ago in place of an Opus Finis slot where singer Carlos E. could not attend. I record all my music live, so a live performance is possible, but the worthwhile opportunity for a stage packed with heavy '70s gear has not seen the light. Maybe a simpler SDM setup will come to life soon, locally.
Why should people support your Zeitgeist?
It's free! And you may get lucky with a sexy dwarf.
Zeigeist. Featuring a live performance by Siamese Pearl. Saturday, April 27. Chu's Taiwanese Kitchen and Bar, 2728 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables. The event begins at 10 p.m. and there's no cover. Call 786-953-7351 or visit chusgables.com.
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