Chris DeLine

This weekend the TC electropunk scene is celebrating the release of its fifth compilation with a show at Club Underground. In preparation for the event I had a few words with Todd Millenacker of Avenpitch, the band which will be headlining the show. In addition to giving away free copies of the new album to fans who attend the show this weekend, the collective is also offering each of the previous compilations as free downloads via tcelectropunk.com.

How has electropunk evolved in the Twin Cities since the first compilation?

Todd Millenacker: I don’t know if really has. For me, it’s still a motley bunch of musicians throwing stuff against a wall and seeing what sticks! In terms of the “Electropunk Scene” bands just keep coming out of the woodwork. Over the course of five years TC Electropunk has been associated with 43 acts and it seems like interest just keeps on expanding.

It’s always hard naming names, but who are some of the rising stars in the local scene?

Todd Millenacker: To be honest my perspective is so warped on things that I really have no clue who is becoming successful outside of each band’s own little circle. In terms of Volume 5, I know OBCT, milkbar, Thought Thieves and Pop Inc all seem to be working it pretty hard and I’m hoping someone breaks through eventually.

Have any bands on the compilations had any solid national exposure?

Todd Millenacker: Screaming Mechanical Brain, who was on Volume 4, is probably the most well known. Those guys are road warriors, have a great work ethic and have definitely earned the national attention they’ve been receiving.

As for the rest of us, every so often a little ray of hope shines through. I know Avenpitch has been pretty lucky in getting music placed in video games, indie movies and (most recently) a TV series.

Who are some of your favorite local electropunk bands?

Todd Millenacker: Obviously my band Avenpitch, but also I’m quite fond of the few bands that have been on all five TC Electropunk compilations – Mach FoX, Thosquanta and Uber Cool Kung Fu/IKKI.

What inspired you to get involved in the genre?

Todd Millenacker: I really like the general attitude behind it. The whole do-it-yourself mentality of getting a guitar, plugging into your computer and making some noise!

[This article was first published by City Pages.]