ficshe

New Uploads

2012-02-05T15:02:00.000-08:00

Check out my pregnant soundcloud. I've been uploading tracks there for a while but I haven't been spreading the link around very much. I just recently uploaded my cover of Love Will Tear Us Apart Again and it's gotten a lot of positive response. Podcasts are picking up some of my tunes and there was a little buzz surrounding Ficshe for moment there. I've been performing this cover for years but I never laid down (what is admittedly a home recording) the track for online perusal. Sometimes things that would seem obvious to an outsider, like "Hey, people might like your Joy Division cover, silly pants," are mystically invisible from the inside.

I know people like covers, people like familiar things. I program cover songs because it's how I get that song out of my head. If I find myself singing the same song for weeks on end I learn it. I imagine myself as the singer, performing it. I program it.

Programming a cover is an intensive process. I don't read music and so I learn by ear. I play the track over and over, one part at a time and match the sounds or find a sound. (Say for the kick drum, I find one on my machine that's more "me" yet still has whatever intensity/flavor I liked in the original.) Because I use the machine I do (Roland MC 808, AKA Emcee Bob) I end up writing the music out in long strings of numbers. The track number, the measure number, etc. It looks more like math when I program a cover.

Strings of numbers and a love of Kali.

Writing original songs is a lot simpler. It all comes from inside and I don't have to worry that this note or that beat isn't right because it all comes out correct, it's mine. A cover, however, is hard because I'm trying to fit some wonderfully intricate song into the perimeters allowed by my machine. I have to study people playing the synth lines on YouTube and record over and over until I get it right. Measure by measure.

So one might think that doing a cover is easy and maybe for some people it is. In my world when it's time to do a cover it's really time to pay homage to the music that makes me want to sing and write. It's solve et coagula (the taking apart of something into it's elements and then reforming it back into a whole). I get to dive into the song, the melody, the beats, the words and then I get to express the part in me that connected so deeply with those parts of the whole. I get to show you how that song is also me.

More cover songs I've done:
Solitude Standing by Suzanne Vega
Wandering Stars by Portishead
Cupid by Sam Cooke
Elevator Love Letter by Stars

Coming Full Circle

2011-07-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Yes, this is Miss Bee's musical life coming full circle. The first of many, I do hope. Pictured above (left to right) is the amazing Venus DeMars, Courie Bee of Ficshe (me!), Tabatha Predovich of UZZA and their newest addition to the group Madeline Youngstrom.

I remember being 17 years old and going to the Loring (when it was on Loring Park) to see All The Pretty Horses and standing on chairs to see them over the crowd. I absolutely loved it and was so inspired and gratified by seeing that band play. Come 14 years later and I'm planning a wonderful show on July 30th at Wild Tymes with the infamous Venus DeMars. I want all my musician/artist friends to know, and understand, that you can make things happen. You can find good friends in the scene and you can realize your goals. It can be done, stop doubting. Let this photo be proof that it's true.

I wanted to showcase local, female talent that inspires me to keep moving forward. It's going to be one fabulous night and I will do a proper promotion post about it soon, this is just to show how grateful I am to have this moment in my life. This is a photograph I will look at when I'm old and I will feel proud of my life.

Busy Miss Bee

2011-06-09T12:16:00.000-07:00

Ficshe - Ground Zero - Minneapolis 6/7/2011

I had a wildly fun show opening for The Trapezoids, The Echoing Green and Freezepop this week. It feels so good to be a part of the girl-synth set, not only do I get to meet the musicians I admire but I get to be on stage with them too! That never loses it's excitement for me. In a town with a million bands there really are some stand out nights and that was certainly one of them. Thanks to Kilted Farmer Productions for a fabulous night!

Coming up in July I've got some very girl-synth friendly shows and I couldn't be more eager for those days to finally come. I'm playing with Tailfeather, our fair town's newest all girl powerhouse and I'm going to hear Karma the Oddest Goddess for the first time. So much gratitude to Sir Dameun Strange for getting me on this bill and it's at Cause, a venue I haven't gotten to play yet. A night of new awesomeness! RSVP on Facebook right here.

A new vid for a new song!

Speaking of music videos... I'll be at Patrick's Cabaret again in July as well for a mini film festival where I will feature some of my music video work and give a live performance. We're looking for some more bands to play outside during the event so if you're a band type and interested in getting your foot in the door there, let me know! If you've never been to or performed at Patrick's you really are missing out on the heart of our local performance community. Oh, and happy birthday Partick's! 25 years is a milestone and proof that the Twin Cities is a great place to be a creative person. Past, present and future!

Last, but totally not least in any way shape or form is the topper to the fabulous month July is turning into for Miss Ficshe. A Gothstravaganza in the heart of St. Paul's lowertown. I'll be performing along with UZZA, as|of and Venus DeMars from All The Pretty Horse s (the horses are also invited, we'll see if they nibble my carrot or not...). It's Saturday, July 30th at The Palace Stage at Wild Tymes right across the way from the Artists Quarter.

I love UZZA.

Detailed posts about all these shows are forthcoming so keep your bananas peeled, people. This is the summer of girls who push your fucking fuck buttons and make you shake your ass!

May Flowers!

2011-05-12T12:31:00.000-07:00

This month I've got two performances with some amazing groups of people.

First off I will be at Patrick's Cabaret again on May 20th, but this time for their Mid-Continental Express/Television Dance Party. It's a tribute to all your old favorite tv dance parties! It's also a fabulous way to help raise money for my favorite place in the Twin Cities. Come down and dance in your hottest leg warmers with an amazingly talented and friendly crew then tell your friends to watch you on tv. Check out this event page on Facebook to RSVP and see who else will be there!

The very next night, May 21, I will be performing with Bawdy Blue Burlesque troop in lieu of my previous (and only so far) cancellation on 4/20. Apparently Jesus is coming too, you gotta be there for this. Maybe you've seen the billboards? Frankly, Im not surprised that I have a tantalizing show that night, just as our Lord would like it to be. I can't wait to share a stage with these lovely women, they are nothing but beautiful, gracious AND racy! How did I get so lucky? You can RSVP on Facebook, see?

april showers

2011-04-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

I just saw that the local Minneapolis/St. Paul forecast is going to be rainy, rainy, rainy all week. I'll be getting out this afternoon to take a photo walk and gather some sun lit inspirations before the Springy darkness comes to be-wetten all things growy.

Tonight I'm heading over to POP Inc. headquarters in Minneapolis to work on some backing vocals for their upcoming performance in support of the Thought Thieve s CD release. I'm particularly excited about this mini-project because I've been in the same extended circle of friends as the fabulous Brooke Aldridge of POP Inc. for a decade, at least, and this is literally our first encounter as musicians and gal pals. I'm looking forward to the sass that's about to be unleashed on the world and the awesome outfits ahead. Ground Zero / 4-29 / 21+ 9pm

Later this month I'll be performing at Nick & Eddie, my second time
there, with the local burlesque troupe Bawdy Blue. I've been interwebs friends with the beautiful Claire Voyant for a time and things finally came together to perform together. Looks like it's a month of meeting new female performers in the Cities and extending my artistic/social reach and versatility! Check out the Facebook page to RSVP and get all the juicy details. Did I mention this a 4/20 show with crazy burlesque dancers and a few gorgeous songstresses in the mix?

Literally the day after the Bawdy Blue show I start a three night run at
Patrick's Cabaret for the Somewhat Sci-Fi Variety Show. Running April 21st-23rd (Thursday thru Saturday night).As with my last few runs at Patrick's it's going to be a ball! By Saturday night the house will be churning like a sexy art mill, filled to the brim with awesome excitement. It always is! I'll be performing my Metropolis number and adding one or more songs to my performance. I have pre-sale tickets ($8), contact me if you'd like some!

I'll be doing some costume and prop work for the upcoming shows and I hope to see my friends and my fans there. March was a difficult month, personally, and my chances to get out and reconnect in the coming month are at shows. I'm going to make a concerted effort to get some specific people out this
month to have a great time and relax with pre and post perfor-
mance. The weather is warmer and it's time to enjoy the out
doors, new friends and some really exciting events.

rites of spring

2011-03-20T07:55:00.000-07:00

Today is the Vernal Equinox. The day when my part of the Earth turns it's face back toward the Sun in a move to growth and life.

Friends are starting seedlings, plotting plans, getting engaged and finding success at sxsw. While strangers across the world are suffering and dying. In trying to make sense of it, as an artist, I always look toward the larger, more physical reasons for discontent. Maybe we are in a new age of the world?

Maybe I am just like everyone else, looking only out of my own eyes to see things just the way I'd like to. I know history and all the tragedies and accomplishments of man but I wasn't really there, consciously I can't understand it for the simple fact that I am me, and can only aspire to be more. To have a continual consciousness and compassion for all around me, while being emotionally at rest.

I closed my eyes a few days ago to think of Japan and meditate on the human condition there. To try and put my mind and heart in the place where people exist there now. Without having watched any video of the events (Having only internet (no tv) means I get to chose if I'm horrified or educated, I generally chose education and articles over video news.) I allowed my mind to imagine the life people are suffering right now. The rest of my day was spent in reflection on humanity, family and loss.

I gave some money to the relief effort last week but it wasn't very satisfying, to be honest. It seemed like I needed to make a different kind of impact, of course along side financial. I want to curate a benefit show to send energy and money to the people of Japan. I see this as a chance to get a collective consciousness going in my circle of friends toward a global attitude.

I'd like to see a multi-room venue with many different kinds of artists and musicians using the space to help people send energy to the people still suffering. Bringing in local musicians who can work in the theme and put effort toward a common goal of opening ourselves to the energy of the world and what people are dealing with here. Compassion.

2011-03-14T21:11:00.001-07:00

double the left a photo by soft_star on Flickr.

From the photo-shoppy archives comes something I should incorporate soon into Ficshe promo. Oops, I just did.

Carried In On Stars Live @ The Hat Trick Lounge

2011-03-13T11:34:00.000-07:00

Just uploaded! "Carried In On Stars" performed at the Hat Trick Lounge in St. Paul. Thanks to Kah from Plasmatic Brain Spasm for the quality recording and effort to get it online. <3!

Galdr Song

2011-03-06T20:51:00.000-08:00

I recently put this video together at home after having survived several blizzards, finally coming to terms (yet again) with Winter. It took longer to get the make up done and twice as long as that to edit the thing but I am quite pleased with the results. It's got a wintry feel and I get to play a evil Norse Barbarella Goddess, how is that not a good afternoon spent alone?

I've been making a lot of video lately, giving a visual element to my songs makes them richer. Being able to make my own videos is even better, there's no compromise in the vision and there's no coordinating to do. Just fighting tooth and nail to get the damn thing to render correctly, it happens, eventually.

Future Musings

2011-03-03T07:03:00.000-08:00

Every other month or so I go through a week where I dig deep into my idea bag and pull out a show I want to put together. Right now I'm thinking of all my favorite ones to try and see what sticks and how far I can go this time. I want to do some themed shows and some fundraisers this year. There are a few that stand out as essential in terms of getting my creativity out there and being able to play all my fantasy shows, you know, the ones you just dream of performing at.

The one I think I'd like to put together first is a fundraiser with Twin Peaks as the theme. I would love to play Fire Walk With Me with an improv soundtrack supplied by my very own Frankenstein electro group. Picking from some of my favorite local bands and getting everyone in costume to spend one evening in that world. I'd love to donate the money to a sexual abuse organization or anything that helps young women in the Twin Cities area survive abuse.

I guess it's time to start putting together the details, ideas?

ZERO

2011-02-28T06:55:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 26th I played a show on the West Bank in Minneapolis called ZERO. A new friend of mine who had heard me on this episode of Across The Board on KFAI asked if I'd join them for a night of warehouse debauchery and joy.

The theme was a throwback to the Smashing Pumpkins era rave scene. The laser light show on the first floor, where the dj's were spinning, was exactly like I remembered it was when I was going to raves in the mid 90's.

The bands were playing on the second floor so up I went to load in my gear.

The place looks abandoned but apparently it's a place for dance, art installation and... late night underground parties. The stairwells are barely lit and every room hangs with cigarette smoke. It took a little getting used to but everyone was so friendly it was hard to feel really out of place there. I got comfy and got some beer and enjoyed the night as the place slowly filled with jolly and anxious party-goers.

The first band was metal and they played a pretty bad ass song about Satan, that's the way to my heart! Next was Bouncer Fighter who played some dynamic, intelligent indie rock. By now it was nearing Midnight and the place was packed and I ran into some people I would have never expected. It was that kind of party, someone from everywhere.

I got my gear together and started my set. The crowd was dancing, drinking, frolicking and giving some great energy to the performance. I look up at the crowd and notice everyone I can see is dancing and when I address the crowd they all roar back. I started my Joy Division cover of Love Will Tear Us Apart Again and for the first time I had an entire crowd singing the chorus back at me at the top of their lungs. What a moment as a performer!

I'll post any pics of my set that I run across online, it's gonna be a few weeks before I've got a replacement camera for shows...

Booking!

2011-02-16T06:49:00.000-08:00

I've been doing a ton more booking in the last year. Booking the majority of my shows and doing majority of the promotions. It's equally exciting as it is terrifying. I feel like I need to meet more local bands and spread the goth around a little bit. I'm not afraid to take on the goth label, despite boiling in the local music scenes vile hipster juice. I feel a lot better about what I'm doing when I give it that label. I get to re-identify with my oldest self, the other.

I don't mind being the black sheep, I can't help it. It's a part of my nature to be excited and ready to revolutionize everything I come into contact with. I suppose you could attribute that to my Scorpio nature. When things are out of order I will destroy it and rebuild it with subtle perfection. Like with my approach to gigs, I go with my gut always. Working to get the perfect mix of bands. It's like a recipe that I need to invent and that I have only a few chances per month to try.

I do think there is a lot of possibility to be creative in booking and to start running some interesting events. Been talking to DJ SLT of KFAI's Across The Board lately about booking some shows at Ground Zero in Minneapolis, Chamber, Hard Mondays, the whole goth gambit! I'll be working with Uzza and All The Pretty Horses on shows this year as well as all my favorites. I'm hoping to realize my Twin Peaks show this year and to make it my first fundraiser!

There's energy in the air today and I'm totally ready to keep making Ficshe happen.

a new compilation of latent work

2011-02-10T16:03:00.000-08:00

Focus On: Patrick's Cabaret

2011-02-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

'Elements In Translation' Cast Photo* 1.28.11

January 27th through the 29th I performed at Patrick's Cabaret in the variety showcase called, "Elements In Translation." This was my second appearance at Patrick's after having had a wonderful show there in November of 2010 at the "Brushstrokes" cabaret. This show was bursting with energy and talent coming from all styles of performance. There were break dancers, slam poets, singers, aerialists and contemporary dance pieces. The whole show was curated by Arturo Miles, the program director at the cabaret.

I opened the show each night with my newest song, Initiatrix. A friend of mine edited some scenes from Metropolis to play on the wall while I played the song, adding so much to the power of the performance. I wish I could have taken credit for the video since everyone was so impressed with it. The stage was lit with blue lights and a touch of spotlight, adding the right mystique to the opening.

The tech assistance at Patrick's is every artists dream. Nate, who runs the lights, sound and general tech all over the building is attentive and even takes notes for all your light changes. Playing in a theater has it's advantages and that's surely one of them. Being able to have the lights just right, or change at an important part of the performance can accentuate the whole show and just set the night on fire. Every one looked great and was wonderfully showcased by the atmosphere that so many worked so hard to create.

See, at Patrick's there's a sense of community and artistry you just don't get at a regular club or bar. There's a group effort to be respectful of each others time on stage, to congratulate each other and help each other out if need be. It's the kind of place you want to help put out chairs before you get your make-up on, believe me I did!

*Cast Members:
Erik Stoeckler- Music
Khary Jackson- Slam Poetry
Gazillion- Music
Maria Juranic- Short Film
Collective Dance Company- Hip-Hop Dance
Arturo Miles- Hip-Hop/Vogue/Waacking Dance
Haus of Jon-Mark- Vogue Dance
Jenna Washnieski- Belly Dance
Obtuse Crew- Hip-Hop Dance
Arturo Miles- Modern Dance/Mixed Media
Cade Holmseth- Aerial
Alisa Paris- Music/Hip-Hop Dance
Abby Yosch- Jazz Dance
Guante- Rap
Meta Def- Spoken Word
B-Boy J-Sun- Breakdancing
Ficshe/ Live Electronica
Elijah Chhum- Short Film

Gothic Valentine Tickets ON SALE NOW!

2011-01-18T10:41:00.000-08:00

Tickets on sale now for the second annual Gothic Valentine brought to you by Ficshe and Leaping Laughter Lodge in artsy NE Minneapolis.

A night of music for lovers and loners of a devilish persuasion.
Featuring the musical enchantments of:

6p - Doors Open - DJ SLT
From KFAI's Across The Board and numerous locales across the Twin Cities comes our very own wasteland warrior of song, DJ SLT. He'll open up the night and keep it dark and brooding between sets.

7p The Night
A local electronica duo with a classic horror film feel, strong beats, and samples from Zach Garr punctuated by the angelic singing of the lovely Dre Allen. Eerie and atmospheric while at the same time sexy and inviting.

8p The Violet Heartbreak
Originating locally with plenty of shows and recording under their belts, Michael Effertz and Trevor Gertonson bring a down tempo, dark, performance with dynamic progressions.

9p Ficshe
Local solo female electronic singer song writer Courie Bishop brings apocalyptic, gothic love songs into a personal realm. Her detailed programming and emotionally intelligent lyrics give depth to the songs where other electorinca may lack.

VIP Packages Include:

Private Table For 2 to 4 Guests

Refreshments Provided At Table

Complimentary Mystery Band Merchandise

Non-VIP tickets are for general entry and do not promise reserved seating, all non-VIP ticket holders should arrive early to make sure you get the seat you'd like. Ticket sales will end when 50 tickets are sold so please act fast to get the best seats in the house! If there is additional space on the day of the show tickets will be available at the door for $10.00 each. 21+ is recommended due to the dark nature of the performances and general atmosphere. Physical tickets will be available at the door on the night of the event for each guest to bring home.

Ficshe: A Tidbit!

2011-01-18T10:12:00.000-08:00

Ficshe started in 1999 as a noise experiment in a little house in Maine. Releasing her first single on Eat Dead Flies compilation of the same year and received this review:

"Ficshe, however, offers up something completely different with 'thinking what', a slow, plodding beats and noises track with a melody of sorts provided by a alarm-sounding loop. a very foreboding and ominous track."

After several years of honing skills through various experimental music collaborations from Cats With Bulimia, Axiom In Use, Bloodgeyser and as back up for Gerald Prokop live the time was coming to step out on the stage alone.

Now playing live at venues across the Twin Cities Ficshe delivers a sound that is truly electronic while still retaining all the heart and feeling of the human experience. Through love stories, death tales and fables of the mind Ficshe brings a new perspective to performance and crafting of song in the electronic sphere.

"Melodically Honest with a nice haunting quality. Accompanied with intelligent lyrics and the lulling yet entrancing tonal quality of Courie Bishop's vocals, I would say that Ficshe is made of win [sauce]."
~Pepper of Plasmatic Brain Spasm