click on the following link to downloadXIAN Live at Diabolique 21/06/08
PROPAGANDA
Christian Bishop's better known alter ego 'Xian' was born and raised in the thoroughbred country of Bacchus Marsh and hardened in Melbourne, Australia.
Raised on a steady diet of oz rock and greasy r&b whilst teething, he challenged chaotic hormonal puberty through punk, metal & hardcore. Inevitably, a growing passion for music led Xian to broaden his musical horizons and his repertoire now included corrupted show tunes, hybrid drum & bass, hip hop as well as anything and everything in between.
Xian's musical initiation developed via his knack for lip-syncing Dire Straights songs accompanied by squash racket at the tender age of eight. He eventually went on to play in various punk, hardcore and metal bands, either as crowd heckler, guitarist, bassist, singer or choreographer.
Xian's previous music projects included the renowned metal outfit 'Filthy Maggoty Cunt' as well as Art-Wank Black Metal Trio 'Morloch'.
In the end, Xian's thirst for music outgrew his surroundings in a now stagnant punk metal art scene. Upon the realization that creative differences as well as opposing deep rooted musical opinions were now clashing with his peers, Xian sought refuge by studying Big Band Jazz Arrangement and Composition at Melbourne Music Academy under the tutelage of Maestro Joe Papaorone.
Knowledge gained from these studies eventually become an important stepping stone for Xian's creation and execution of his music production. Broadening his awareness and passion for experimental music, he then went on to work with fellow producers Jade Starr (Dave Dread) Toecutter, Maladroit & Passenger of Shit both members of the now well-known 'System Corrupt' entity. Other artists included Software Developer, Composer and Media-Theorist Julian Oliver, Classical Cellist Anthea Caddy as well as Avant-Guard Percussionist Sean Baxter, to name a few.
Xian's work is primarily created and composed on a PC and his style often includes sampling and the manipulation of sounds, both of which he either creates from his own source material or recycles from existing medias. His influences are as broad as his musical repertoire, a plethora of sounds often combined as a myriad of extremes through source material and production techniques.
His work embraces the nature of duality, opposition and contradiction drawn from a very broad pallet of influences which can be felt through his music and live performances.
Xian's past performances include numerous Major National Sound-Art Festivals, such as 'Straight out of Brisbane', 'Liquid Architecture', 'What is Music?', 'Articulating Space' as well as 'Now Now'.
Xian's production skills and live performances have led him to perform on an international scale, including shows with 'Wrong Music' (UK), 'Broken Industry' (RU) 'Shibuya FM' (JP) and 'BRK' (FR).
Xian's music is currently released on CD, Vinyl and web. His production can be found on both local and international labels, including Wrong Music (UK), Omeko (JP) Radio Worm (NL) Cock Rock Disco (GE) Hells Bassment (AU), PBS FM (AU), Pain Free (AU), Go Away Recordings (USA) System Corrupt (AU) and Acidsamovar Records (RU).
As well as establishing himself as a highly recognized and respected producer and performer, Xian also operates the label/collective 'Black Lotus'. Formed in 2001, Black Lotus focuses on supporting experimental artists by hosting events and releasing music through various Medias.
For more info check www.blacklotus.zzn.com
When not touring across the globe, Xian can be found in Crimestoppers.
