Biography

A regular contributor/collaborator in cult US label Kranky's coterie of drone technologists, New Jersey-based James Plotkin is a veteran in the field of guitar-based soundscaping. With a diverse back catalogue, Plotkin has released material on labels like Noise Museum, Kranky, Asphodel and Release Entertainment, including collaborations with the likes of Mick Harris, Mark Spybey, and The Young Gods' Franz Treichler. Like the Andrew Read / Anthony Child split 12" (12FAT031), all the sounds gathered on his FatCat split 12" are sourced from the guitar but, once again, take its function away from traditional playing techniques (picking, strumming) to a far more abstract and processed terrain. Chords and notes are replaced by drones, tones and flickers; the instrument is fully explored as a total sound-source.

Since the release of this split 12" in October 2000, Plotkin has continued to with projects including his Atmosmasher/ Phantomsmasher collaboration with drummer Dave Witte and vocalist Speedranch. He also plays in Khanate (a super doom-metal unit featuring Sunn O))) guitarist Stephen O'Malley).

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