His Master’s Voice
Mark Abramson and Keiko Bonk formed His Master’s Voice in New York City, 1982. Accompanying them in the original lineup were drummer Jeff Rubin and bassist Kai Eric. Later incarnations of the band featured guitarist/bassist Russell Burke and drummer Jay Dee Daugherty, among other collaborators. The music was described at the time as “trance-like psychedelic rock with a middle eastern flavor,” but elements of pop and noise reveal a wider range of influences. HMV released one EP on PVC/Passport Records which was bargain-binned after the record company folded. Band members came and went, and HMV, never able to stabilize around a core line up, faded away by the end of 1986. The band had a short reunion in 1989 that resulted in some additional studio recordings.
Photos
Videos
His Master’s Voice – Holy Ghost video
Videowave Music Videos has posted this lo-fi music video on YouTube. I can’t remember who made this but it might be Richard Kern as it looks like him playing the man watching TV.
His Master’s Voice – Missionary EP
An organization called In Depth Music has this EP up on YouTube, and we appreciate their interest. This EP was made in 1984 and released on PVC/Passport Records. Sadly, it was not produced properly, and the end result didn’t sound much like us. Compare our own release by the band, “New York City 1982-1986.”
His Master’s Voice – Desire demo version
Someone on YouTube has placed this audio-only video on YouTube. It contains an early version of the song “Desire” which was released on an audio cassette magazine called Tellus in 1984.
Bonus Video – Faux Velvet Underground @ Mike Bidlo’s “Not Andy Warhol’s Factory” (1984)
Someone we don’t know has posted this short video of a performance Keiko and Mark participated in which was a part of artist Mike Bidlo’s tribute and recreation of Andy Warhol’s Factory. The performance took place at PS1, a performance space in Long Island City