When two acclaimed visual artists team up to form a band, the output is often unrelated to their art. The music of Anxieteam, however, is a one-to-one translation of Jim and Jon’s drawing styles.

Jim Avignon and Jon Burgerman always had a lot in common. But even if they both knew it for a long time, and appreciated the work of the other a lot, their first personal encounter was for a joint exhibition only last February in New York. For several days, they painted together in the studio of Factory Fresh Gallery in Brooklyn, producing the work for their show “Anxiety Room”.

The exhibition opened shortly before I arrived in NYC. I travelled to the city for SCOPE art fair, where Jon and I met to built his “Lossy Data Lab”-Installation for our 5-day-performance at the fair. Until then, I had been working with both artists seperately, and I was aware of their enthusiasm for each other’s work. However, when I met with Jon at the Roebling Tea Room in Williamsburg for breakfast on my first morning in the City, little did I know how well they’ve gotten along …

I don’t really recall seeing anyone so fascinated by a person as Jon was from Jim and vice versa (and rightfully so, because both are some of the greatest guys I had the priviledge to meet, like, ever), and the mutual respect for each others had developed into a close friendship. No surprise at all that their artistic collaboration didn’t focus solely on painting and drawing, but quickly spread out into the field of music.

Jim Avignon has probabaly been a celebrated musician as long as he is an artist. He has produced CD after CD with his solo-project Neoangin, and is one of the busiest performers I know, playing gig after gig in almost every city he visits.

While Jim is renowned for his artwork AND his music, Jon is probably the most famous doodle artist in the world, and a hilariously funny, comical Brit – but a publicly performing musician? Shy Mr. Burgerman?

I must say, I was surprised to learn that Jim had managed to convince Jon to perform with him. And learn to play the Ukulele as well. But it only took listening to the very first song they did together (about their time at the Factory Fresh Studio), to convince me: Jon’s voice fits Jim’s music perfectly, and the humour in their lyrics is a killer. Let alone a live-concert!

Shortly after their first recording, they came up with the band name Anxieteam, produced more songs, a video (in the Waldorf Astoria New York), and have been playing several gigs, preferably in New York. Rumours have it they are working on a CD these days.

So, what’s Anxieteam all about? Not being a product of the music industry, but completely independent, no-bullshit-artists, I allow myself to quote from their blurb:

“Anxieteam is the new collaboration of internationally renown artists Jim Avignon (Germany) and Jon Burgerman (UK). Splicing together merry pop melodies coupled with dry, sardonic lyrics, Anxieteam masterfully coax audiences into their colourful, bouncy world of catchy songs about modern day anxieties, longing and salads. ‘Let’s Eat Soya’ is their ridiculously infectious, anthemic dance declaration of smutty love in a meat-free-world whereas the Creedence Clearwater Revival sample heavy ‘I’ve Forgotten’ is a curiously blazing rock-workout response to CCR’s popular ‘Susie Q’.”

We had the priviledge to host their very first european gig at our gallery last November – and they are truly infectious on stage. Make sure to check out their video clip from the Waldorf Astoria (link below). You will immediately understand why I am raving, and what Anxieteam is all about…

Links:

Video: Anxieteam – Melancholy paid my rent

Anxieteam on myspace

Jon Burgerman

Jim Avignon

19. January 2010

Jörg Heikhaus

Tags
Art | heliumcowboy | Music | Youtube


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