Atlanta based Suitcase Audio/Visual returns after a decade long hiatus with an archival harsh noise vinyl only release.
“Scraping the Tapes” LP features the earliest recordings by multimedia artist James F. Ellis under his altered-ego/project alias Magnetic Stripper. Recorded in San Francisco 1995-1996, this is the second release Ellis has produced for the Suitcase label – following the “Extended Play-R” 7” EP from 2011.
Ellis began recording sound experiments in 1982/83 in Johnson City TN using Casio keyboards and DIY Radio Shack circuit boards. After a stint with experimental/electronic duo Absolute Ceiling, he moved on to Knoxville TN – continuing his sound and visual art and performing live with Serena Slab. After relocating to California to work in the innovative technology space, Ellis was developing immersive interactive digital art installations for the corporate space. Jim then began recording with the "Magnetic Stripper" - a reel-to-reel tape machine that shredded the Ferric Oxide off of the reel upon playback – thus the project title. In combing live tapes with modular synthesizers, Magnetic Stripper continues to perform numerous concerts in the Bay Area – including events at The Lab, Portreo del Sol Noise Picnic and Noise Pancakes. During live performances, Magnetic Stripper appears in hand made costumes – reminiscent of a Jack Kirby interpretation of MF Doom. The live performances include mind-bending live digital video projections. Both the visual and sound have been recently enhanced with AI technology – taking the video and sound to new levels of distortion and surrealism.
As listeners engage with the LP and accompanying visuals, they are invited to traverse a soundscape that is both a reflection of its time and a harbinger of the noise as sound art’s evolving dialogue with technology.
This limited edition of 150 numbered copies includes a 2-sided foldout insert and a Magnetic Stripper badge.
To place your order, please email a4 at suitcaseaudiovisual.com and payment request can be sent via Venmo or Paypal. The price is $25 USD, plus First Class Domestic or Tracked International Shipping. Or send an Inquiry on the Contact Form. Cheers
