Ironically, it was Dana Schechter’s singing voice which drew us to her all instrumental, non vocal project, Insect Ark. Having been far more than a casual fan of her main enterprise, the NYC via Berlin Bee and Flower, we’ve been singing that band’s praises for years.
Dana’s solo endeavor, Insect Ark recently released a debut 10″ “Long Arms,” and she’ll perform under the Insect Ark moniker this Friday night at Public Assembly. Ever the consistent voice of quality, we encourage you to be in attendance. Here’s a bit of official background:
“‘Long Arms’ is massive and slow moving, full of stark vulnerability. Schechter weaves a brooding textural landscape which creates a personal soundtrack to the human psyche’s underbelly. Between sequenced drum beats, Schechter’s agitated lap steel is enveloped by her thunderous bass tone, constantly keeping the music both on edge and all consuming.
Schechter’s live shows are ferocious. She samples, layers, and triggers loops like a one woman orchestra, guiding the sound through quiet passages and blaring crescendos.
Dana Schechter has played with Michael Gira’s Angels of Light (Swans), Mark Eitzel’s American Music Club, and her own band Bee and Flower. A native of San Francisco, CA., Schechter grew up in a musical home. Coming off learning flute and double bass at an early age she dove into the Bay Area metal scene, taking up electric bass at age 16 to honor her friend Cliff Burton (Metallica).
While playing with various bands she taught herself guitar, drums, piano and how to sing. In 1997, she moved to New York City, seeking a city with energy that matched her own. Currently she resides between Brooklyn and Berlin.”
