Riotmiloo Official - Blog

Behind the scenes of the Scalper Remix...

22/12/2019

Riotmiloo picture by Blaue Rosen

Scalper is an amazing and inspiring artist. Our paths crossed in London many years ago. I felt a deep connection straight away. I also have always liked his dark trip hop project. I follow eagerly each of his musical releases. His lyrics make me think. They also move me… and I love that.

Once, I asked him to be one of my guests for my album “La Pierre Soudée” and I remember feeling so proud when we wrote the track “Child Bride.”

Scalper and I collaborated further. We came up with the track “Perfume” and a beautifully crafted video ensued.

Now fast forward to 2018. Scalper asked me to remix one of his latest tracks. I chose “Want.” It had to be this one. What if I approached it with the “Don’t want” idea?

News, various articles and experiences around me lit up my feminist flame. I had never tackled the subject of consent in a song and this seemed like the perfect opportunity. I asked Eva|3 if he would agree and then our remix was born. “Me too, me neither, I don’t want it, me too, no more, I don’t want it!”

“I don’t get it, I can’t take it, I am coming for you.” The last part of the track shows more questioning. Consent is more than ever a subject that ought to be discussed. Social movements like Me Too and Balance ton Porc (Report your Pig) in France have been decried. Words like: “What was she wearing then?” or “Wasn’t she looking for it to advance her career?” have been said. No need to say, no means no. Whatever your job, whatever you wear. I would even add no until yes is said. Why would you ask? Because, during molestations, people can freeze and can’t say no. Does it mean yes then? Of course not!

Let’s hope we can all come together and support each other in tackling this issue. I invite everyone to think more about consent because this is the key.

Thank you, Scalper, for giving me free reign for this remix. I hope you enjoy it as well as the other remixes (by 2nd Gen and Ramintra) and more instrumental tracks by Scalper.

Ups and downs...

16/4/2019

Picture by Luis Rodrigues, https://www.facebook.com/luisrphoto

Winter is coming to an end, I am so grateful for that! Although I love snow, eating home-made soup and snuggling under blankets, my health always suffers at this time of the year. :(

My original plans for winter 2019 were to work on creating more music for my next album: "Blackout." As expected, various viruses and complications got in the way. I've managed to get a few new songs under my belt but I definitely need more time to complete the album. Besides the health issues, there were grim days. My beloved label ant-zen closed its physical shop. And the farce that Brexit has become carried on hurting me deeply. And so was the rise of hatred, division, selfishness in the world created a climate of angst inside me. I know I get affected as much as I can get enthused. I can't help it, I feel deeply. It is a burden as well as a gift. There were days where I even questioned whether I should carry on making music. The commitment that goes into it, the work, the dedication can all take their toll on one's mind and frustration can occur when things don't turn out as you'd like.

However, out of the blue, amazing news also occurred. I was asked very interesting questions about my musical background, my political stances, the depth of my art as well as my writing. Huge thanks to Dimi Brands of Dark Entries magazine for this interview. It enabled me to think more and put some words on a lot that was happening inside that little brain of mine. Check it out here:
https://darkentriesenglish.blogspot.com/2019/02/trouwfest-3-riotmiloo.html?fbclid=IwAR0f-wyGvCMj6c31t_O7WnDQSynZKFbZmSHwPI93w9zZ2vTm9tbx9gfM644

Picture by Sev Denis, www.sevdenis-photo.com

Later on, when I received a message from Electronic Substance Abuse, I nearly fell off my chair: a track we recorded together many years ago, "Themes of Carnal Empowerment", would be featured on Netflix, on the first episode of the second series of "The OA", 20 minutes into the episode. I still can't believe it!

And something grand also happened last week. I supported Lingua Ignota and Author & Punisher in London. And the gig was sold out on a Tuesday night! This, for a start, nearly made me cry. But something out of this world took place that night. It was powerful and intense from the beginning to the end. Each artist tackled their perception of violence from a different angle and with a different approach and message. The audience was attentive and receptive. Huge thanks to Chaos Theory for organising such an event!

Live pictures and multi screen montage by Blauerosen, live visual photography by Jessica Hosman and live snippet video by Kunal Singhal.

You would expect today's entry to end but there is a bit left to share with you. A review that followed this gig lifted my spirits even more. Much attention was given to details, to words, to visuals , to the whole concept of each performance. From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you, Blauerosen. The depth of how you experienced the night is a vision to behold. ?

"Disfigured, Ignored, Vilified, Immolated, Isolated, Rejected […] These powerfully negative adjectives, together with lyrics from the rest of the songs in the setlist, appeared in two screens at the back of the stage and on the side of the space and provided more context to her strong performance. During the set, the meaning of these words was challenged as they were accompanied by movement filled with concepts of empowerment, of control of one’s destiny and the right to determine one’s life." Click on the picture below to read it all...

Artists seldom share the downs, more the ups so I wanted to recreate a balance of different states of mind and of feelings. I hope you've enjoyed reading it all (or at least parts of it.) ?

And just because I want to share a last video with you, here is Lingua Ignota in action, I hope you enjoy it as much as I do:

What a year...

29/12/2018

Hello folks! I cannot believe 2018 is already drawing to a close! It was amazing to meet so many kindred spirits. I very often feel alone and alienated in a world I do not appreciate. But you guys cheered me up. You brought me exquisite experiences filled with love and utmost respect.

I got to meet some of you in the flesh during gigs. I was lucky to hear that my concerns can resonate and can be shared by others. It felt so empowering! From the bottom of my heart, thank you to every single one of you. You came to my shows, you booked me as an artist, you shared the stage with me, you took time to listen and to give me feedback. Thanks for being so great. Live picture by Blauerosen while playing at CHAOS THEORY (September 2018.)

Live video credits: Chaos Theory, Kunal Singhal on static cams, Simon Kallas Photography on handheld footage and Peter Junge - Record Mixing for video editing and sound mixing. Additional thanks to RIFF.Underground for lending their recording gear for the night (September 2018.)

A Fly as a Pet- Music by Riotmiloo & Dirk Ivens, executive production, mixing, additional music and video by Eva|3
From the album Riotmiloo & Friends: La Pierre Soudée (Ant-Zen ACT325)
CD: mailorder.ant-zen.com/product/id/2627
Digital: https://ant-zen.bandcamp.com/album/la-pierre-soud-e

I also got to work again with the talented photographer Sev Denis. We explored tunnels in London. My favourite was Leake Street Tunnel, a space created by Banksy that celebrates urban Art. I learned a lot from this photo shoot, the shown and the hidden, light and darkness, it all goes together. ;)

I didn't listen to enough new music or didn't go out enough to gigs as I was ill a lot. But here are a few albums I thoroughly enjoyed this year:

Michael Idehall- prophecies of the storm
This album is a true gem! It threatens, it soothes, it takes you on a journey shining through with poetry depicting gloom and desolation with a unique twist.

Moodie Black- Lucas Acid
This album grabbed me so intensively when it came out. I think I listened to it maybe three or four times in a row and was still overwhelmed by its emotions. The singer K has come to terms with being trans and spits it all out with despair and raw tortured melodies. The wall of sound and industrial hip hop support the moods exposed very well.

Hide- Castration Anxiety
Hide's opus is raw and intense. It is pounding. It hurts. Its intensity is matched by the haunting vocals of Heather Gabel. The pulse is set very high, the percussion goes straight to your head. It is savage.

Salt- invisible
I find it difficult to pinpoint all the elements that create its ensemble, there are so many of them! There is an upbeat infectious groove, some triturated pop, Japanese screams and melodies, noise and even more. All of them join up and make room for an altered state of consciousness. Am I living? Am I dreaming? Where am I drifting? But it works. It works so well that I keep on coming back, asking for more "Japanese green tea infusion."

Tangerine Cat- Many Kettles
Tangerinecat was formed in Ukraine and now lives in England. Sonically, Eugene and Paul explore atmospheric cinematic electronic sounds with the addition of a lead moving hurdy-gurdy and ethereal flutes. This beautifully crafted album deals with themes such as abuse, neglect and poverty. Emotions are raw. They are rich too. This album is a tribute to those who overcome oppression and resist. Life can be tough but life can be good too. According to a Moroccan proverb, the first glass of tea is as gentle as life, the second one is as strong as love, the third - as bitter as death. There are even more flavours in "Many Kettles."

I hope you will enjoy listening to my favourite albums released this year. Do not hesitate to let me know what you think. ;)

I would also like to share with you a few videos I enjoyed this year:

Bakibal- O Giblan Abakibal (animated by Giles Rossire)

Jo Quail- Mandrel Cantus from Exsolve (Filmed by Simon Kallas and Michael Fletcher)

And finally: Dive- Let me in (Directed by E Gabriel Edvy, second camera Stuart Heaney)

August news, new gigs and new T-shirts in the making...

3/8/2018

For many years, I wanted to create and share some of my lyrics and messages on T-shirts. But I had lots of boxes to tick which made that idea quite tricky to materialise. In short, I wanted the garments to be fair trade, ecologically conscious and using vegan inks. The very idea of helping cotton pickers while not hurting animals as well as minimising the impact on the planet seemed appealing to me. It took me years to translate those wishes into reality.

After simply asking for help, a friend (thanks Kevin) pointed me in the direction of a Tees printing company fulfilling all my requirements. And I will forever be thankful. Thanks to his recommendation, the desire to show solidarity meant that "La Pierre Soudée" could come alive in another art form. After listening and making sense of my crazy ideas, Stefan Alt came up with an amazing design, incorporating some of my lyrics into strong graphic elements. Big thanks to you as well Stefan, I just love it! Do you? :)

My first ever T-shirts will be unveiled and on sale during my forthcoming live shows. It's all kicking off on the 10th of August where I am going to perform in Manchester for the first time.

Friday 10/8/2018 @ Peer Hat, Manchester, UK
(with Room 1985 / Soft Riot / Riotmiloo / St Lucifer / Husk / VWLS.) Many thanks to Tilted Fiction Promotions and AnalogueTrash for having us! :)
The Peer Hat, 14-16 Faraday Street, Manchester M1 1BE

Tickets:
£5 in advance at https://www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Manchester/The-Peer-Hat-Manchester/Room-1985--Soft-Riot--Riotmiloo--St-Lucifer--Husk--VWLS/13251194/
Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/230652651026182/

And as you can see on the banner, there are also more gigs coming in Autumn... I will bring my brand new T-shirts of course. You'll find them at the merchandise stall alongside CDs.

Poster by Dorota Sagui, inspired by the Anti-Noise League

I am also going to share the stage with Warren Schoenbright and Metalogue at the Black Heart in Camden. Big thanks to CHAOS THEORY for having us.

Friday 7/9/2018 @The Black Heart, 3 Greenland Place, Camden, London NW1 0AP

Tickets:
£7 in advance at http://www.wegottickets.com/event/444706 or £9 on the door
(with Metalogue and Warren Schoenbright)
Facebook event: https://www.facebook.com/events/287330885344088/

This is an insane poster promising an insane night with insane bands for insane people. Please come along, you won't be disappointed! :)

22/9/2018 @Klosterruine, Arnoldstein, in Austria, Aktion Mutante is inviting me to perform at an electronic experimental night alongside Thai bands Lafidki and Pisitakun. I am feeling honoured! <3

Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/271018546827944/

And in October, I am going to play with Tangerinecat, a band formed in Ukraine who uses the hurdy-gurdy with a punk attitude and The Mollusc Dimension, a virtuous pianist mixing story telling and lo-fi experiment.

26/10/2018 @ The Victoria, 451 Queensbridge Road, Dalston, London E83AS

Tickets:
£6 in advance, at Skiddle: https://goo.gl/pcKFe2 or at WeGotTickets: https://goo.gl/z7myqq

Facebook event:
https://www.facebook.com/events/216372525655490/

Photo by Sev Denis

And on the 3/11/18 @ Electrowerkz, 7 Torrens Street, Angel, London, EC1V 1NQ, I will be sharing the stage with dark electronica pioneers ATTRITION as well as ambient experimental industrial noise band Beinaheleidenschaftsgegenstand.

Facebook event page:
https://www.facebook.com/events/682677668751868

Photo by Antony Weir

Solidarity in Action...

7/5/2018

With the days getting longer and brighter, I finally got my health back and managed to go out more. I noticed I was really missing social interactions. This meant when I had opportunities, I became chattier and broke away from my usual shyness. I have had this idea for ages but how can you build bridges if you stay in your corner?

So I decided to reach out. My first baby step was to offer help for a fundraiser event. Primal Uproar organises an electronic music festival in Hamburg in Germany, on the mighty MS Stubnitz, a vessel/venue with an atmospheric post-industrial space, ideal for holding events and live shows. This year, it will showcase more than fourty different artists coming from all over Europe.

Picture by cdx-foto

The Primal Uproar fundraiser event went really well. All bands gave their best and the tech team worked hard and helped the smooth running of the event. The venue, New River Studios, was lovely and had a great sound. The audience seemed touched not only by our performance, but as well by our message. Several times, I spoke about solidarity which is one of the multiple meanings of "La Pierre Soudée." This very idea of helping each other is really dear to my heart. I hope the organisers got a bit of cash to help this great project.

If you too want to help Primal Uproar, check out their Primal Uproar vol III event in Hamburg on the MS Stubnitz on 29-30th of June. You'll have a lot of fun! You can also help fund their project and donate for a good cause by following this link: https://uk.gofundme.com/primaluproar

In the next few weeks, you will find me out and about in London to support our lovely artists and beloved promoters. On the 19th of May, I will be at the DIY Space in London to see the great tAngerinecAt play at the Cute Owl and Noisy Fowl experimental Festival: https://www.facebook.com/events/145465259482791/

And on the 28th of May, I will be going to the Chaos Theory event: https://www.facebook.com/events/164892310829882/ to see Author&Punisher, Trepaneringsritualen and Vera Bremerton with Towards Collapse DJs, at Electrowerkz in Angel. Please come and say hello if our paths cross. ;)

Picture by Neil Gardner

Inspirational Women

10/3/2018

Picture by Nero Azzolut @ Elektroanschlag 2017

Two days ago, was the celebration of International Women's day. Things are still far from being perfect for women, right? Between the recent #MeToo campaign highlighting the extend of bullying, cat calling and sexual or psychological unwanted attention and the gender pay gap, what's to celebrate? I usually keep quiet on that day. Respect and equality should be an everyday concern and of course, there is plenty of work to do on that front...

However, this year, I was kindly asked to write about a woman who inspired me as an artist. Tough question that is! And who was I to reject such an opportunity to discuss what makes me thrive, I mean music? I didn't hesitate for too long. Of course, I accepted the invitation. Huge thanks again to Adam from A Model Of Control. You can find my contribution below. Clicking on the picture will enable you to read more entries from other female artists too.

Besides, I'd like to thank people who named me as an inspirational artist as well in Facebook posts. That really warmed my heart. :)

Additionally, the new album is taking shape slowly but surely. "Blackout" will see further experimentation with voices as well as sounds. There is still a lot to do. All I can say is that there is work in progress and so far, Eva|3 and myself are really pleased with what we have.

This week, I was also lucky to have a new review from my first album "La Pierre Soudée." Grazie mille to Davide Pappalardo from Italian Flux Magazine for a detailed review, describing the album as going "beyond style definitions and limits" and that all tracks "linked to its main theme thanks to an all encompassing artistic vision." Wow, that was lovely to read. You can find the whole review by clicking here:

Finally, I'd like to thank the lovely Sylvaïn Nicolino from French Obsküre Magazine who described our video of the track "A Fly As A Pet" as understanding the song better by seeing better and by bringing death into being. The review is in French and you can read it by clicking here:

Where is my Vitamin D? When being ill leads to a new video...

16/2/2018

Hi everyone,

This winter is proving to be quite tough on me and on my health. I have been recently diagnosed with vitamin D deficiency. One usually gets it from sun exposure and I must admit, I haven't seen much of it in the last few months. This means I am getting lots of bad colds and various infections. It is definitely not fun!

But something good came out of it thanks to my lovely partner trying to cheer me up by creating a video for my track "A Fly as a Pet." It didn't cure me but I think he did a fantastic job! Huge thanks to Eva|3 for the making of it. He selected carefully bits of a live performance shot in France in 2016 during Ex.fest festival and more disturbing fly footage... I just love it! <3

Watch "A Fly as a Pet"

Deliquium Festival Triennale in London

Another great thing that happened recently was the second edition of Deliquium Festival Triennale in London. I unfortunately could not attend the three nights but what I saw and heard satisfied my ears. It was awesome indeed, I really enjoyed myself. It was a friendly atmosphere, the Art was really interesting and I discovered many interesting live acts. Pascal Savy and Merkaba Macabre were amazing. I also enjoyed the return of 2nd Gen. Thanks for everything to bands, organisers, Vjays etc... Everyone really worked hard and it really showed. It's definitely one to keep an eye on! I suggest you keep an eye on the organising team: Milk and Lead Gallery.

What? 2017 is nearly finished?

26/12/2017

Pre - Revolting Cocks face, picture by A model Of Control, Infest 2017

2017 was a lovely year where I met a new fantastic bunch of lovely people. Of course music played a big part, it always does! ;) Firstly I’d like to thank Oli from the London collective Noise Corruption for inviting me to present a live version of my album at the brilliant Ouroboros exhibition. Our challenge was to make the content of the show accessible to people with hearing impairment. Through this, I got in touch with a friend of mine, Jessica Hosman, who kindly agreed for me to use some of her magnificent and ethereal photography work for the live visuals. And it was a success! I also met with lovely and inspiring Italian musicians and video makers .

Our best performance of all times happened last April at Elektroanschlag. I’d like to thank Gandy and Ronny for organising a top-notch festival. Germany was awesome; it had been ten years since we last played. I couldn’t believe some people still remembered us from our live show with Eva|3 at Maschinenfest 2007. The feedback from the audience was heart warming and beyond everything I was expecting. I remember still shaking from the intensity that was shared even after the performance had finished. It enabled me to meet Stefan Alt in the flesh, to catch up with people I hadn’t seen in ten years and to get to know many other ants. The highlights of the festival for me were Esplendor Geometrico and Beinhaus.

Our third memorable gig of the year was at Infest summer camp . You really do a great job, Mark Guy, Chris Molyneux and all the volunteers, at making artists welcome and at providing class live acts. I ‘d never thought I could see Revolting Cocks live and you made that wish come true! Despite a few technical issues, the audience still got our raw message and energy. Nothing would have happened without the precious help of Kevin King (our visuals received lots of praise), as well as Eva|3 and Electronic Substance Abuse who helped me on stage. I caught up with old friends, laughed a lot (of course) and met new ones, I just loved it!

One of my favourite gigs of the year was Skinny Puppy at the Forum in London. They were all on top form and delivered a flawless performance. It was wonderful to rediscover old tracks in the light of a modern context.

Au-delà du Silence also organised a great and memorable musical weekend in Paris in June. We only managed to catch the end of the fun show provided by Geneviéve Pasquier because of issues with Eurostar but we thoroughly enjoyed every last minute of it! I also really got into Andrew Trail’s new band, Antivalium. I cannot wait to see them live again!

My choice for this year’s best album is “Lueur” by Empusae. The story behind it is quite bleak but the message behind it is sound advice for everyone. It is a dark symphony with beautifully crafted layers of sounds. “Lueur” really spoke to me, with its ups and downs. The message I got is no matter how huge the hole of despair can be, you ought to come out of it stronger and possibly an even better person…

On the down side, my health was not brilliant this year; I had to deal with nasty virus, colds and other ailments, which prevented me from attending many gigs. Sorry about that, friends, I hope I can do better next year … ;)

There is probably more I should write about 2017 but my mind is now slowly turning to the next chapter. With my incredible partner in music and in life, we started working on a brand new video to illustrate the track “A Fly as a Pet.” We hope it is finished in early 2018. Watch this space! Or alternatively, you can also subscribe to my Official Youtube channel. :)

And finally, a new album is also on its way. It will be called “Blackout.” We started picking up music where we left it ten years ago with Eva|3. We dug out old demos and decided to improve them with better music, better synths, better vocals and a better production too! We are really excited about what we’ve got so far. The concept of this album is about mental health and focuses on the emotional struggles such as losing touch with reality, anger, despair, and loneliness... On the musical side of it, we are going for almost a 100% analogue sound, which really pleases us.

The link below is from an old demo but it can give you an idea of where we are heading to:

Once again, thanks everyone for being amazingly supportive. You rule! :)

Eva|3 and Riotmiloo- "What's missing remix for HOLOGRAM_"

14/10/2017

I am so proud to be part of this:
HOLOGRAM_ rescue. digital album. ant-zen dig044
Lyrics of third piece of the puzzle (what's missing remix by eva|3 and riotmiloo):

"What's missing
Where is fulfillment
What's hindering
Your attainment

You've got to have it all
Masquerade of a ball
Collect, accumulate
Speculate, hate

Are you afraid to lose
Your mediocre height
Are you afraid to choose
No end in sight..."

"Following audiotrauma anniversary 2k17 in paris, hologram_'s live gear was stolen from him on the train ride home. this remix sampler ‘rescue’ is dedicated to help replace the missing gear so the cloaked figure can return to the stage. his brothers and sisters in noise joined forces to rescue his gear, now is your chance to support! featuring remixes by sonic area, amnesy, noire antidote, ambassador21, aleph, ecstasphere, meta meat, verin, eva3 and riotmiloo, phasenmensch and s20."

The goal is to collect 800€ before dec 15th to help martin buy new live equipment . All sales (minus fees) after our goal and/or after december 15th, 2k17 will be donated to a foundation to help children.
thank you in advance. ;)

Available on bandcamp:
https://ant-zen.bandcamp.com/album/rescue
https://hologramtrauma.bandcamp.com/album/rescue

The track we worked on was "third piece of the puzzle." This started me pondering about greed/selfishness versus sharing and collective well-being. What would prevent one from wanting collective well being if not selfish greed? From there, lyrics came easily and the remix became "What's missing." :)

Picture by Stefan Alt

One month later, Infest memories...

30/9/2017

Picture by amodelofcontrol.com

It's been more than a month now after Infest Festival. What a great festival! It was my first edition and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Revolting Cocks were amazing headliners and made me dance like there was no tomorrow. I also enjoyed the Juggernauts. And I-Vardensphere were really powerful.

The best of it was the great company, I have met so many lovely people, the crew was top notch and the curry was up to its reputation! And I'd like to thank everyone that came to my show so early on Saturday at 4pm. Despite encountering technical problems, people were quite responsive. I was told we broke Infest. May I point out it is the best compliment ever? What a blast! *grins* Special thanks to Eva|3 and ESA: Electronic Substance Abuse, Jess Hosman photography and Kevin King for sorting out the visuals on stage with us. Infest people and organisers, you rule!!!

Video by Michael Stokes

Eva|3 by anonymous

Picture by Gillyan Woode