KEY POINTS:
TBR-1000 is an android who explores the meaning of life and love through his music, which is a mix of 80s electro and catchy synth pop. We mere mortals could learn a thing or two from this android's views on life. His band is made up of humans who play instruments and bring his music to life but to find out who they are you'll have to go along to Coherent on K Rd this Saturday. In the meantime, let's catch up on the love life of TBR-1000.
Why 80s synth pop? It's fun, but, well, so 80s ...
It is a result of my programming algorithms. Melody in the music of that period is a natural vehicle for my sonic musings.
I'm picking you could also be a fan of Kraftwerk?
Indeed. I enjoyed their idea of replacing themselves with mannequins at concerts. It is where my idea for replacing myself onstage with humans came from.
What is it like being an android in the industry?
I think I fit in nicely. The metaphysics of whether I have a soul or not seem to be irrelevant. I have dreams of stardom but mainly just electric sheep.
What about the state of the music scene?
I make the most of it. Music is a language without borders of any kind. A scene infers a location. It provides me with a location without borders; an infinite space.
What's it like being on tour and sharing your music and your story with the people of New Zealand?
My music explores my own experiences with the condition of love. In a surprising manner it seems humans have a profound sense of empathy to the condition. But there is a disappointing shortage in your nation's population of fembots.
What have you learned so far about the meaning of love, and the meaning of life?
Love is the meaning of life and life is the vehicle for love.
What qualities will your partner in love need to have? Apart from being "electric", of course. Your Electric is a great song by the way.
Thank you, it was my first song. Regarding my needs, I am both Mac and PC compatible.
Do you want children?
My core programming provides a necessity to build the next generation of my kind, an improvement informed and designed through the knowledge and experiences my life-cycle allows me. The concept of childhood is one of a temporary naivety. We remain naive.
Do you find people always ask you if you know other androids?
They are fictitious creations, I am real. I have met a few androids in your media and in your political system. I am not at liberty to disclose their identities.
What's one piece of advice you would offer to us mere mortals?
Don't take it so personally ...
Are there plans to record an album?
I will continue to explore the condition of love through music and would indeed like to collect these musings in some form of compendium. Something like a thesis on the topic.
What's next after music for TBR-1000? Film or TV?
Space exploration is a must. Does the condition of love exist anywhere else? Is it unique to this planet? Could it be the fabric of the Universe?
Performance
* Who: The Blush Response, with support from Module and DJ Ariel White
* Where & when: Coherent, K Rd, Saturday
* Music: Myspace.com/theblushresponse
