“Hamm brings the Theremin to life.”
stephen hamm has played:
Khatsahlano Arts Festival (Vancouver, B.C.), Lunafest (Revelstoke) Massif Music Festival (Nelson, B.C.), Forest Fest Sound Symposium (Gabriola Island), Ignite the Arts (Penticton, B.C.), Woodstove Festival (Cumberland, B.C.), Rogue Fest (Wilson Creek, B.C.), Backyard Fest (Nanaimo, B.C.), Khatsahlano Arts Festival (Vancouver, B.C.).
He's performed with: Pink Mountaintops, The Space Lady, JOHN OTWAY, Pointed Sticks, Eugene Chadborn and many more!
RECENT FEATURE BY GRANT LAWRENCE ON CBC TV
Theremin man's latest release: Live from planet earth
Recorded live at 604 studios in vancouver, b.c. released by light organ records !
CLICK HERE TO STREAM THE ALBUM
CLICK HERE TO WATCH FULL ALBUM PERFORMANCE ON YOUTUBE
Vancouver’s Stephen Hamm, known to fans as Theremin Man, is set to release Live From Planet Earth on February 14th through Light Organ Records. This live album marks an exciting new chapter in Hamm’s career, offering a captivating sonic experience that builds on his unique electro-rock style. Known for his mastery of the theremin, Hamm combines ambient soundscapes with pulsating rhythms and ethereal melodies, creating music that is both experimental and accessible. Live From Planet Earth was recorded on May 25, 2024 in front of an excited audience at 604 Records Sound Stage in East Vancouver. The venue’s infinity screen provided stunning visuals that complemented the music’s cosmic energy. Hamm explained, “I wanted to create something intimate and memorable. When I learned about the sound stage’s infinity screen, I knew it was the perfect place. Colin Janz, who works there, was incredibly enthusiastic, and together we planned the show.” The event featured Felix Fung on guitar, Ani Kyd-Wolf and Sinead X Sanders on backing vocals, and Janz’s galactic projections. This release comes on the heels of Hamm’s critically acclaimed 2023 album Songs for the Future, continuing his mission to expand the boundaries of modern music with each new offering.
Hamm’s career began in the 1980s as a pivotal member of the legendary Vancouver proto-grunge band Slow. Their 1985 album Against the Glass and its influential EP are credited with helping to ignite the grunge movement, with their raw, abrasive sound leaving a lasting mark on the Pacific Northwest music scene. Slow’s hit "Have Not Been the Same" became a MuchMusic staple, inspiring a generation of musicians, including Kurt Cobain and Sloan. In 2021, the documentary Exposition Demolition celebrated Slow’s impact on Canadian rock, cementing Hamm as a key figure in the evolution of grunge and alternative rock. Beyond Slow, Hamm’s career flourished in bands like Tankhog and Jungle, where he earned further recognition for his musical versatility. Tankhog’s 1991 tour with industrial music pioneers Skinny Puppy and Jungle’s European tour during the 1990s conflict in the Balkans are just a few examples of Hamm’s broad influence on the global music scene. As a member of Nardwuar the Human Serviette’s band, The Evaporators, Hamm helped create a chaotic and irreverent blend of garage rock and punk, continuing his commitment to pushing the envelope with unconventional, energetic performances
Live From Planet Earth captures the energy and emotion of Hamm’s live performances, showcasing his ability to transport listeners to new dimensions through the sounds of theremin and synthesizer. Drawing from his rich musical history and cosmic influences, Live From Planet Earth, continues Hamm’s mission to take audiences on an interdimensional journey, uniting his devoted fans—affectionately known as the “Space Family”—through his cosmic soundscapes. As a respected figure in the Vancouver music scene, Hamm’s legacy includes collaborations with artists like Skinny Puppy, Matthew Good, and The New Pornographers, alongside his groundbreaking work as Theremin Man. With Live From Planet Earth, Hamm embarks on a new chapter with Light Organ Records, a label known for championing innovative artists. This live album not only highlights Hamm’s artistic growth but also strengthens his reputation as one of Canada’s most unique and unforgettable musical forces. A video of the performance will be available on Stephen Hamm Theremin Man’s YouTube channel starting February 7.
Stephen Hamm's new album 'songs for the future' out now!
Redefining Rock: Stephen Hamm's Futuristic Theremin Album 'Songs for the Future' Unleashes Electrifying Sounds
Stephen Hamm Theremin Man Songs for the Future Releases May 6th, 2024
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Stream Album Songs of the Future
PRESS ONLY: Download Single / Art / Press Photos
Watch the Video for “Planet Earth”
Watch the Video for “Are You Receiving Me”
Genre Tags: Electronic, Psychedelic, Alternative Rock, Space Rock, Psychedelic Electronic
RIYL: Kraftwerk, Hawkwind, Arthur Brown, Tangerine Dream, Suicide, Father Yod, Clara Rockmore
Focus Tracks: 1,3, 5 (MAPL/ FCC Clean)
Vancouver’s Stephen Hamm Theremin Man has just released his sophomore album Songs for the Future with the accompanying video “Planet Earth”. Following the critical acclaim of his debut album, Theremin Man, this latest offering promises a thrilling journey into the realms of electro-rock. Songs for the Future explores themes ranging from isolation and hope to science fiction and fantasy. Each track invites listeners on a cosmic voyage through sound and emotion, with a nod to interdimensional and intergalactic entities. Building on the sonic landscapes established in the first album Theremin Man, Hamm's new album expands his artistic vision. From ethereal melodies to pulsating rhythms, each composition is meticulously crafted to transport audiences to new dimensions. "I’m excited to share Songs for the Future with everyone," says Hamm. "This album represents a new chapter in my creative journey. Unlike the first Theremin Man album, which was a solo effort, I also had some great help with this new album from Shawn Mrazek (Flash Bastard, The Evaporators) on drums and Felix Fung (Pointed Sticks, Colleen Rennison, Mode Modern) on guitar and production.”
Stephen Hamm has been a pivotal member of the Vancouver Music and Arts scene for over 25 years. He’s played bass, keyboards and sang in bands like Slow, Tankhog, Canned Hamm and Nardwuar And The Evaporators. Today, Stephen is Theremin Man, a space traveler and storyteller who sends waves of good vibes and dance beats out to his followers, affectionately known as “The Space Family”. Since stalking the Pacific Northwest with his legendary rock bands, Stephen has shifted his focus to mastering the Theremin, an early electronic instrument that one does not touch but plays by interacting with magnetic fields around two antennae. In recent years Stephen has studied under the tutelage of German Theremin virtuoso Carolina Eyck and New York based Thereminist Dorit Chrysler. Stephen’s solo show, based around Theremin and Synthesizer is a psychedelic electro musical journey into new abstract dimensions of sound.
Theremin Man is not just a solo act, it is an experience. A robed Stephen Hamm is an imposing presence, but his kind eyes and friendly face make everyone comfortable and ready to take in the overall space travel vibes and thought-provoking lyrics as he demonstrates his mastery over his esoteric instrument. Dancing usually follows shortly thereafter. With Songs for the Future, Hamm continues to push the boundaries of contemporary music, blending elements of electronica, ambient, and experimental genres integrated into catchy rock n roll songs you’ll want to listen to again and again. Stephen plans to continue thrilling audiences at clubs,and festivals with his wildly creative solo show, based around Theremin and Synthesizer. His goal is to take his audiences on “an electro musical journey into new abstract dimensions of sound!” Songs for the Future is now available on all major streaming platforms as well as on vinyl. Songs for the Future is a testament to Stephen Hamm's enduring passion for music and his commitment to pushing artistic boundaries. As anticipation builds for the release of Songs for the Future on May 6th, audiences can expect an electrifying musical experience that transcends genres.
D I S C O V E R
Website:https://stephenhamm.ca/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thereminman
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stephen.hamm.7
Bandcamp: https://thereminman.bandcamp.com
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTILaNOR-MdEeyXOs_uWj7A
CHECK OUT THE NEW VIDEO ‘SAGITTARIUS A-STAR’ BY R.D. CANE
Stephen Hamm press assets
THIS IS WHAT ELDER GOD PRODUCTIONS BLOG HAD TO SAY ABOUT THE RECENT SHOW AT THE RICKSHAW THEATRE IN VANCOUVER:
Taking the stage first on Friday night at the Rickshaw Theatre was a solo act that used pre-recorded tracks, Stephen Hamm: Theremin Man. Normally a solo act where it's just one person doing their thing does nothing to spark my interest especially not at a venue like Rickshaw.
Of course normally said solo act doesn't rock a theremin, so such preconceived notions are out the door. Getting to witness an expert using a notoriously difficult-to-master instrument was fantastic, a journey into the farthest reaches of space where that unique sound takes you.
Looking like Vincent D’Onofrio if he lived in a hippie commune, they stood center stage with the theremin and a laptop that played pre-recorded tracks in the new wave/electro-rock vein. When the main draw is the theremin, it makes sense to minimize the rest of the “band”. Can bust out a theremin concert just about anywhere.
For those that don't know, a theremin is an instrument you play without touching. It reacts to how close the person is to it, playing with the magnetic fields surrounding it. It was the product of early Soviet government-sponsored research into proximity sensors, so you know, commie shit.
While watching this master manipulate those magnetic fields they made it look easy. The weaving of their hands, each finger moved, the slightest nuance manipulating the sound just so. The theremin emits such a spacey, otherworldly sound the songs sort of pick you up drifting you along with them.
I thoroughly enjoyed this set and have been digging into their music on Bandcamp, of which there is a good selection. They got me moving, which is essential for Him, and entertained the hell out of me with a rarely-seen instrument.
“Stephen Hamm: Theremin Man discusses his journey from playing in legendary Vancouver bands such as Slow and The Evaporators to communing with the universe as a theremin-wielding one-man band.”
PRESS LINKS
- THE VANCOUVER SUN: Covid-19 inspires rockers to chill out on unusual instruments
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THE GEORGIA STRAIGHT: Vancouver legend Stephen Hamm finds the right balance of style and soul-searching substance with Theremin Man
- FOR THE LOVE OF BANDS: A top-rated music blog from the Netherlands
- BEATROUTE MAGAZINE: Stephen Hamm Makes Joyful Noise On Theremin Man
- NANAIMO NEWS BULLETIN: Theremin Man' Stephen Hamm Creates Music from Electric Fields on CD
- VANCOUVER COURIER: Chilled Hamm: Vancouver punk legend finds solace in the theremin
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ALIENATED IN VANCOUVER Stephen Hamm, Theremin Man: of space-age rabbit holes, gentle idealists, meditation and plus-sized clothing (an interview
- THE PARTAE A leading music blog out of Australia premieres the video for SPACE SISTER
