emily lutzker >>> evidence

the un-karaoke project is a series of performances in which i become an iconic musical figure from each city in which i am performing. i organize a band, and play one song. in each case, myself and the other band members wear headphones with the original song playing while we perform. no performer is permitted to play an instrument they were trained to play. what is produced is a pure emotional interpretation of the song. the audience witnesses the resonance of the desire to become the rock star, without the virtuosity of being the rock star.

upcoming performances:
march 14, 2008, in new york as blondie
8pm.

april 29th @ the soap factory in minneapolis.

july 28th in berlin with the art critics orchestra.

january 11th @ the fieldgate gallery
in london.

Dear Prince,

Congratulations!

You have been selected as the pop artist to represent Minneapolis, as interpreted by me, for the 8 x 8 x 8 exhibition at the Soap Factory opening April 29, 2006.

And congratulations on your new hip! In light of your temporary disability to gyrate your hips, I will do it in your stead.

Since you are probably not familiar with my work, I"ll explain the project to you:

Myself and a few other performers will don headphones, all connected to the same source, and be listening to a particular song. We will be interpreting the song, both lyrics and instrumentation, for the audience, mostly by vocalizing the instruments and using some homemade instruments. Since the original recording is not experienced by the audience, the result is perhaps not a melodic harmonious sound, but a raw interpretation of what the song has meant to each of the performers. It is continuing my exploration of the place where imagination and reality fail to meet.

I have chosen "When Doves Cry" as the song to be performed for the deep influence the film "Purple Rain" had on my life in terms of aesthetics, my image of passionate romantic love, and, unfortunately, my ideas about men and relationships. The film was central to my adolescence, and looking back on it, I deeply wanted to be you. For a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance.

It would be a great honor if you would join us for the evening of the performance. If you want, I would welcome your participation, but as I said, I am portraying you for the project, so you must choose another part, but not an instrument you've been trained on -- that's against my rules. And, as I was told that you don't like it, I promise not to look you into your eyes, but feel free to look into mine.

With sincerest admiration,

Emily Lutzker

Dear Nina,

Congratulations!

You have been selected as the pop artist to represent Berlin, as interpreted by me, along with the Art Critics Orchestra July 28, 2006.

I have chosen "Ich Glotz TV" as the song to be performed because it was the biggest and most influential hit for the time and influenced my identity as a rebellious teenager, and as a young woman. Not understanding German, your voice communicated to me the angst of the time and of my age.

During my adolescence, when the song was aired, I deeply wanted to be you. For a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance.

I am portraying you for the project, and I will do my best to sing in German.

With sincerest admiration,

Emily Lutzker

Dear former Clash members,

Congratulations!

You have been selected as the band to represent London, interpreted by me, in London on January 11, 2007.
I have chosen "Rock the Casbah" as the song to be performed not only because it was your biggest and most influential hit , but for the the influence it had on my identity as a rebellious teenager. I still remember the first time I heard it. It was in the locker room at my high school, and when being embarassed about my not filling out my training bra was stifling, the music being played from my friend's boom box was liberating. I took the song to be the anthem for the possibility to rock my own casbah, and still, I am doing it. I think it is timely to perform the song during so much upheaval in the world, when remembering to fully grasp life is so important.

I will do my best to give a raucous interpretation of the song, and I invite you to come join me. It would be an honor to perform for you. Your music communicated to me the angst of the time and of my age, and at that time, I deeply wanted to be you. Now, in 2007, for a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance.

I am portraying Joe Strummer for the project, and my band and I will do our best.

With sincerest admiration,

Emily Lutzker

the un-karaoke project is a series of performances in which i become an iconic musical figure from each city in which i am performing. i organize a band, and play one song. in each case, myself and the other band members wear headphones with the original song playing while we perform. no performer is permitted to play an instrument they were trained to play. what is produced is a pure emotional interpretation of the song. the audience witnesses the resonance of the desire to become the rock star, without the virtuosity of being the rock star. upcoming performances: march 14, 2008, in new york as blondie 8pm.

april 29th @ the soap factory in minneapolis.	july 28th in berlin with the art critics orchestra.	january 11th @ the fieldgate gallery in london.
Dear Prince, Congratulations! You have been selected as the pop artist to represent Minneapolis, as interpreted by me, for the 8 x 8 x 8 exhibition at the Soap Factory opening April 29, 2006. And congratulations on your new hip! In light of your temporary disability to gyrate your hips, I will do it in your stead. Since you are probably not familiar with my work, I"ll explain the project to you: Myself and a few other performers will don headphones, all connected to the same source, and be listening to a particular song. We will be interpreting the song, both lyrics and instrumentation, for the audience, mostly by vocalizing the instruments and using some homemade instruments. Since the original recording is not experienced by the audience, the result is perhaps not a melodic harmonious sound, but a raw interpretation of what the song has meant to each of the performers. It is continuing my exploration of the place where imagination and reality fail to meet. I have chosen "When Doves Cry" as the song to be performed for the deep influence the film "Purple Rain" had on my life in terms of aesthetics, my image of passionate romantic love, and, unfortunately, my ideas about men and relationships. The film was central to my adolescence, and looking back on it, I deeply wanted to be you. For a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance. It would be a great honor if you would join us for the evening of the performance. If you want, I would welcome your participation, but as I said, I am portraying you for the project, so you must choose another part, but not an instrument you've been trained on -- that's against my rules. And, as I was told that you don't like it, I promise not to look you into your eyes, but feel free to look into mine. With sincerest admiration, Emily Lutzker	Dear Nina, Congratulations! You have been selected as the pop artist to represent Berlin, as interpreted by me, along with the Art Critics Orchestra July 28, 2006. I have chosen "Ich Glotz TV" as the song to be performed because it was the biggest and most influential hit for the time and influenced my identity as a rebellious teenager, and as a young woman. Not understanding German, your voice communicated to me the angst of the time and of my age. During my adolescence, when the song was aired, I deeply wanted to be you. For a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance. I am portraying you for the project, and I will do my best to sing in German. With sincerest admiration, Emily Lutzker	Dear former Clash members, Congratulations! You have been selected as the band to represent London, interpreted by me, in London on January 11, 2007. I have chosen "Rock the Casbah" as the song to be performed not only because it was your biggest and most influential hit , but for the the influence it had on my identity as a rebellious teenager. I still remember the first time I heard it. It was in the locker room at my high school, and when being embarassed about my not filling out my training bra was stifling, the music being played from my friend's boom box was liberating. I took the song to be the anthem for the possibility to rock my own casbah, and still, I am doing it. I think it is timely to perform the song during so much upheaval in the world, when remembering to fully grasp life is so important. I will do my best to give a raucous interpretation of the song, and I invite you to come join me. It would be an honor to perform for you. Your music communicated to me the angst of the time and of my age, and at that time, I deeply wanted to be you. Now, in 2007, for a few minutes, in your home city, I will have my chance. I am portraying Joe Strummer for the project, and my band and I will do our best. With sincerest admiration, Emily Lutzker