Archival release documenting the 2009 USA tour of Peter Rehberg and Marcus Schmickler under the R/S moniker. Real time extreme music improvisations recorded at Lampo in Chicago and No Fun Fest in New York City. 'USA' is the second full length release by the leading electronic music duo, follow up to their 2007 'One (Snow Mud Rain)' on Erstwhile Records.
Peter Rehberg (a.k.a. Pita) was a founder of the influential Editions Mego label based in Vienna in 1995 (formerly Mego). He performs throughout the world and has participated in many of the major festivals associated with electronic music, such as Sonar, Ars Electronica and All Tomorrows Parties. In addition to his role as mentor to many artists and label curator, Peter has published work on numerous labels such as Häpna, Mosz, Asphodel, Moikai, Ash International, Source, Touch. He has also collaborated with interdisciplinary artists such as choreographer Gisele Vienne and writer Denis Cooper (Kindertotenlieder; I Apologize), and has recorded and performed with many other electronic music performers including General Magic; Jim O'Rourke, Kevin Drumm; Stephen O'Malley (as KTL); Christian Fennesz; Matmos; Sunn O))); Mika Vainio and Tina Frank to name but a few. In 1999 he received the Prix Ars Electronica Distinction Award for Digital Music.
Marcus Schmickler is a key figure in German contemporary experimental music. While rooted in electronic music, Schmickler has a background in contemporary composition, having studied under the prominent Stockhausen collaborator Johannes Fritsch. Schmickler has created solo in a variety of different styles under the Wabi Sabi, Sator Rotas, and Param pseudonyms, as well as five techno-oriented CDs as Pluramon. In addition, he has long-standing collaborative projects, most notably with synth wiz Thomas Lehn, guitarist Keith Rowe, and pianist John Tilbury.
The Lp is mastered and cut by Rashad Becker at D&M, in a limited edition of 500 copies, pressed on 140g vinyl and comes in a poly-lined inner sleeve. It is packaged in a pro-press color jacket which itself is housed in a silk screened pvc sleeve with artwork by Kathryn Politis & Bill Kouligas.
