Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition presents cutting edge music

The Manitoba Electronic Music Exhibition (MEME) is only in its fourth year, but this festival of electronic music and multimedia arts is already holding its own among Manitoba's big music festivals.

Nathan Zahn is the festival director. SCENE asked him for the lowdown on what to expect:

Could you give us a sense of the range of music at this year's festival?
Although MEME is very much a "techno" festival we have tons of programming that is very diverse. Our Saturday programming at The Cube includes several live bands that incorporate electronic synths, effects and drum machines along with live guitar, bass and vocals.

Our most eclectic day of music is Sunday, August 18 at The Cube where several of our guest performers are playing a hybrid of world/ethno music and electronics. Drumspyder from San Francisco plays a variety of hand drums over top of basslines and beats he has composed.  His music is very friendly to the belly dancing community. Also Desert Dwellers from California bring a sound that is psychedelic, funky, bass heavy and yet would be a hit with anyone who likes the Folk Fest experience.

Who are you most excited about this year?
Artists that I am excited about include Daniel Steinberg from Berlin who plays at the WAG on Friday, August 16. Steinberg plays very sophisticated and classy house music that incorporates many jazz samples and is fun to dance to but also very musical and cerebral.



Funk D'Void is the headlining act at The Cube on Saturday night and he is  the biggest name we are bringing in for those that follow the house and techno scene.

Not only is Funk D'Void a long time veteran of the electronic music world having produced music, run labels and performed for 20 years, he is also keeping himself very relevant in a scene that evolves and morphs very quickly. Funk D'Void at The Cube on Saturday, August 17 at 9:00 p.m. is not to be missed!

Can you talk about the visual component, which I understand is very important?
We will be lighting up The Cube with the most cutting edge and impressive light show ever used there. We are really excited to see The Cube used to it's full potential, it is the perfect back drop for a techno festival. It is very popular with all of our international acts that come play on it.

Our visuals team is also creating a wonderful display of projections and video mapped displays at the WAG. The visuals at the WAG will also include some interactive multimedia installations that people will be able to literally get hands on with!

Anything new this year?
We are bringing the largest and most impressive sound system ever used to both the Pantages Playhouse and The Cube. For those that are not familiar, PK sound is considered Canada's top sound company for these kinds of events. PK sound was used at the Skrillex show last summer at the ball park...

Also, this is the first time we have used the Pantages Playhouse and the sound system and performances we have lined up there will really impress people. It will be a temporary "super club" experience for one night only!
What about Winnipeg makes this event unique?
The free events at The Cube juxtaposed with the wonderful century old warehouses is very special here. Also our free programming and the festival as a whole pushes very innovative and fresh sounds that are usually only found in big international destinations like Berlin or Montreal. Winnipeg once again punches above its weight culturally.

MEME takes place at various downtown venues August 15 - 18.

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