Bug in the Bassbin

Sadly, this is the closing installment of Bug in the Bassbin here in
The Stranger. Starting next week, Dave Segal’s electronic-music
column Data Breaker will return to this space. Over the last year and
change, I’ve had a singular goal: to get people out to
experience the amazing music on offer in Seattle (in both live and
recorded forms). If I’ve managed to convince anyone to get off the
couch or pick up a CD, then I’ve fulfilled my duty. Not to worry, I’ll
still be showing up in these pages from time to time (and more
regularly online), although from here on out, it’s as likely to be
about instrumental post-rock as it is techno.

It’d be impossible to thank everyone that deserves it, so
I’ll keep things in general terms. For the readers: Thanks for the
support—and the criticism. I hope you’ve discovered some new
music thanks to my tenure. For my editors: Thanks for making me sound
much more eloquent than I actually am. For the producers, promoters,
and personalities I’ve talked to: Thanks for your time. I’ve been
universally impressed by everyone who’s given me an interview or sent
me music.

This column has been humbling, because for every story that I’ve
managed to tell, there have been a dozen that didn’t get the attention
they deserved. There are eight million stories in the Naked City, and
just as many in Seattle’s electronic music scene. Between all of the
promoters and artists in our fair city (I’ll even extend that praise to
Portland), we’ve got one of the most fertile regions in the country,
if not the world. Sure, we get the major headliners without the
hassle of huge crowds, but just as important is our local talent
pool, which seems to run unfathomably deep. Instead of getting
burned out on going out and keeping up, I’ve grown increasingly excited
and impressed at both the quality and quantity of what we have going on
here—you should feel the same. Even if the world never catches
on, be proud of the scene you have. Be sure to get out and take
advantage, and when the time comes, vote to support it.

Here are some universal closing points:

• DJs/laptop performers: It’s okay to look like you’re
enjoying yourself. Crack a smile, dance behind the
table—anything to let us know you like your output as much as you
expect us to.

• Support your locals. Everyone’s got to start
somewhere.

• Wear comfortable shoes. Dancing is much easier that
way.

• Wear earplugs. If you want to be able to enjoy music
as much when you’re older, do yourself a favor now.

• Finally, some parting advice from my fav-
orite T-shirt:
Listen to Detroit techno.

donte@thestranger.com