Events

[TRIBUTE] I remember the first time I heard a Mark Freeland song: It was at a friend’s party and someone put Electroman’s American Googaloo on the turntable. It was so zany, but instantly likeable and I couldn’t believe the guy was from Buffalo. A trip down the Freeland rabbit hole ensued: In addition to Electroman there was Pegasus, Pegasonics, the Fems, and of course all of Mark’s solo and visual artwork. It’s hard to believe it’s been eight years since Freeland passed away, but the local scene certainly hasn’t forgotten him. On Friday, May 1, Nietzsche’s will host Electrorespect 8—A Tribute to Mark Freeland, where a slew of Buffalo artists—the  Enemies, Cowboys of Scotland, Scantron, the Fems with John and Kent, JeffRepeater, John Toohill, David Kane, and Ed Koban—will perform their own renditions of their favorite Freeland works. In anticipation, JeffRepeater, John Toohill, Bud Redding of Cowboys of Scotland, and Scantron took the chance to reflect on their favorite Mark Freeland songs.

JeffRepeater: “I Think That You’re in Love”
The first Freeland song that pops into mind is “I Think That You’re In Love,” for a few reasons: When I was remixing the tune, it translated well into a modern dance beat structure quite organically. It was not too finicky. Also, the title repeated in the lyrics during the hook are strong and almost everyone can relate to them. The simplicity of the hook along with the relationship to the listener makes it nice and sticky to repeat over and over again in your head later on, and Mark is talking to you through the lyrics. It’s far out and pretty deep if you listen to it and think about it.

John Toohill: “Let’s Stay Up and Party Till Six in the Morning”
I’d have to say “Let’s Stay Up and Party Till Six in the Morning.” I remember Nicky G having that 7” way back when before I really knew about Mark and it stuck out—as any song with that title should when you’re in your early 20s. I’ve had the pleasure of reinventing/covering the jam I think three times at various Electrorespects.

Bud Redding of Cowboys of Scotland: “You Make Me Want to Love You”
I have always loved “You Make Me Want to Love You.” It’s both punky and progressive rock at the same time. It tells a story, and it mentions love, guns, and beer! Mark was a genius song writer.

Scantron: “I Am Everybody”
This is one of the first hip hop songs to come out of Buffalo. I love it because in the song he mentions Nietzsche’s. He says, “You’re at Nietzsche’s, go wild.” So one of Buffalo’s first hip hop songs mentions Nietzsche’s. He also mentions graffiti culture too. He talks about a guy called Crash, who influenced him to get into graffiti.