Moog

Bob Moog (b. 1934) has been inventing electronic musical instruments for nearly half a century. He is still active today and his contribution has influenced the direction of musical culture. In his own words, he “can feel what’s going on in a piece of electronic equipment…it’s something between discovering and witnessing.” A musical visionary, Moog is also part of a strong line of “American originals” (John Cage, Harry Partch, John Zorn): his presence confirms that he doesn’t mind playing the role of the “mad scientist” (a shock of white hair, intense eyes, eccentric behaviour and a head full of stories). Fjellestad’s documentary brings to the screen Moog’s opinions on creativity, design, interactivity and the spiritual world. The film was shot primarily in Asheville, New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Tokyo and London, and features Rick Wakeman, DJ Spooky, Keith Emerson, Herb Deutsch, Bernie Worrell, Money Mark, Mix Master Mike and a highly eclectic selection of other musicians. New music composed for the film on Moog’s instruments was created by Stereolab, Meat Beat Manifesto, Tortoise, DJ Spooky, Money Mark, Luke Vibert & Jean-Jacques Perrey, 33, Moog Cookbook, Plastiq Phantom, Brian Emrich, Bernie Worrell & Bootsy Collins, among others. The film’s international distribution premiere is planned for September 2004. Hollywood Records will release the soundtrack.