IAMX

Wikipedia:

IAMX is the solo musical project of Chris Corner, formerly of the band Sneaker Pimps. Founded in 2004 in London, it is an independent music project which also focuses on and experiments with visual art. Musically, IAMX spans multiple genres from electronic rock and dance music to burlesque influenced songs and emotional ballads. Corner's striking and wide ranging voice, and his way of programming sounds and beats is an obvious characteristic of the IAMX sound.

Since 2006, IAMX has been based in Berlin, Germany where Corner has found "the spirit to care less about the music industry and take an independent route." Berlin is also mentioned in the lyrics which concern subjects such as sexual identity, death, love, narcotic intoxication, decadence, critique of religion and politics, alienation, addiction, modern society and gender bending. The topic of gender bending is further emphasised by Corner's own distinctive and androgynous image.

Live, IAMX are known for their highly energetic and theatrical performances. Unusual stage outfits and body painting are also core elements of IAMX shows. The stage design consists of art and props constructed by Corner and his live band members.

The visual art element of the project can be seen in the IAMX music videos and in the projections at their live shows. Both contain sometimes strong and controversial visual content, often directed, shot and edited by Corner himself.

To date, IAMX has released four studio albums, all of which have been released independently and produced by Corner.

History

Consisting of 1980s-influenced electro, the debut album, Kiss + Swallow, was released in 2004. However, many of the tracks were originally recorded for a shelved Sneaker Pimps album, dubbed by fans as SP4. Bootleg copies of the original recordings are still available online. On June 17, 2008 Kiss + Swallow was re-released in the US. The album included the previously unreleased track "I-Polaroids" and a remix of "Kiss and Swallow". This release also carries an alternative cover.

IAMX's second album, The Alternative was released in April 2006 in Europe, October 2007 (digitally) and November 2007 (physically) in the UK and Ireland, and May 2008 on Metropolis Records in the US. UK and US versions feature a slightly different cover with black tape rather than yellow tape. In addition to variant cover artwork, UK and US versions also feature alternate versions of several tracks with re-recorded backing vocals from Janine Gezang as well as a hidden instrumental string version of Spit It Out. A live album, Live in Warsaw, was released on November 14, 2008. The performance was recorded in front of a live audience for Polskie Radio Program III and later mixed in Berlin at IAMX2 studios.

The third IAMX album, Kingdom of Welcome Addiction, was released on May 19, 2009. It had a heavier sound than the previous two albums, and it was preceded by a new track entitled "Think of England", which was made available for free download on November 7, 2008. A remixed and reworked version of the album entitled Dogmatic Infidel Comedown OK was released on March 19, 2010.

On April 14, 2010, Chris announced on the official IAMX Twitter page that he was working on his fourth studio album, which he referred to as IAMX4. On October 19, 2010, it was announced on the official IAMX Facebook page that IAMX4 was now identified as Volatile Times. The album was released in Europe on March 18, 2011. It peaked at #68 in the German Media Control Charts. About a week before the album's release, the track "Fire and Whispers" was made available for free download from the IAMX website.

On February 1, 2012, it was announced via IAMX's Facebook and Twitter pages that work has officially begun on the fifth studio album, which has the working title of IAMX5. On May 13, Chris announced that there will be a vlog posted on the official IAMX Youtube channel every two weeks, which will allow the fans to view the recording process of the new album.

Live line-up

Early live incarnations of IAMX had consisted of a revolving cast of players including Sue Denim and Dee Plume of Robots in Disguise, Noel Fielding and Julian Barratt of The Mighty Boosh, James Cook of Nemo and Julia Davis.

From late 2006 IAMX Live consisted of Chris on vocals, keyboards/synths and guitars; Dean Rosenzweig on guitars and bass, Tom Marsh on drums and Janine Gezang on keyboards/synths, vocals, guitars and bass.

In early 2010 the live band was announced to be Janine Gezang on keyboards/synths, vocals, guitars and bass; Alberto Álvarez on guitars, vocals, drums and bass and Jon Harper on drums. However on August 3, 2010, Jon had been officially replaced by MAX, the drum machine. On Fire & Whispers Tour 2011, IAMX was joined by the drummer/percussionist, Caroline Weber.