The Bliss Machine – the definite article, you might say is an American three-piece musical collaboration originally formed in Chicago in the early 90s. The Bliss Machine blends multiple rock genres into a grungy-funky-trippy bouillabaisse with a unique brash sound at times a perturbed fusion of improvisation, noise and the spoken word, i.e. rock’n’roll. The band’s music is social commentary and explores themes of individualism, alienation, liberty and encroaching dystopia. With roots in punk, funk, psychedelia, metal, jazz and hip-hop – it is truly something other than else.
It is music for people that can think for themselves.
Who is The Bliss Machine?
The modern band consists of:
- Bliss Master D, Guitar and Vocals
- Minister EZD, Drums and Backing Vocals
- Dr. E FunknBass, Bass Guitar and Vocals
Have a listen, we hope you enjoy. We make our music first and foremost that we enjoy making and playing. We are are happy to share our music with you.
The Backstory
The original band was born of the East side dormitories at the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Winter of 1991. That was around the time of the US-led invasion of Kuwait and before Grunge was a thing.
EZD and Bliss Master D had already been getting together to play music since being dorm-mates from the prior summer session. They resolved to form a band with some friends persisting through multiple line-ups starting as 5-piece Proletariat Bondage, then Strey Voltage and then 4-piece Personal Bliss Machine.
The band became a focused power trio with the addition of bass guitarist BeBo, a band mate of neighbor and occasional collaborator Slimy Q (later keyboardist for Blue Meanies). The “Personal” was dropped to become just “The Bliss Machine.” Based in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago they performed live there and digitally recorded 1992’s “Ready to Roll” sessions.
Past members, collaborators and other line-ups:
- BebBo, Bass Guitar, Vocals
- Pete B Nice, Guitar, Vocals
- Jason D, Provocateur
- Slimy Q, Collaborator
- Jon-Jon, Bass Guitar
- BruceZ, Guitar, Keyboards, Vocals
- Eric Strey, Vocals
- Steve Yin-Yang, Entourage
What is a Bliss Machine anyway?
The Bliss Machine is a term used to describe the feeling of being in a state of complete joy and happiness. It was popularized by author Richard Bach in his book Illusions: The Adventures of a Reluctant Messiah. The concept of the Bliss Machine has been referenced in popular culture and has become a metaphor for achieving a sense of lasting peace and contentment.
Also, not to be confused with a cosmetic and a machine. Nor Black Mara’s Awful Tyranny though Ferret Steinmetz’s sounds interesting…