Unpredictable Immediacy

Nathan Be, known artistically as Terrtheom, is a distinctive force in the realm of live hardware electronic music. Emerging from the vibrant Twin Cities underground and the rich Midwest sound system culture, Terrtheom is a Minneapolis-based performer who channels his background as a speaker enthusiast into his electrifying live sets. His music is a blend of dark, aggressive, and brooding tones, interspersed with moments of uplifting melody, designed to keep dance floors dynamic and push sound systems to their limits. Each performance is a testament to spontaneity and impermanence, with sets largely improvised to harness the feedback loop of energy between artist and audience, ensuring an unique and immersive experience every time.

For those that are wondering, live hardware electronic music is a vibrant and dynamic genre where musicians, like Terrtheom, perform using physical electronic instruments and equipment such as synthesizers, drum machines, sequencers, samplers, and effects processors. These devices are often analog, digital, or a mix of both, each contributing unique sounds and textures, rather than relying on pre-recorded tracks or computer software alone. This type of performance is characterized by its emphasis on improvisation, real-time manipulation, and the tactile experience of working with analog or digital hardware. Overall, live hardware electronic music celebrates the immediate, hands-on aspects of electronic music creation, offering a raw and engaging musical experience that highlights the skill and creativity of the performer.

Little did I know when I first witnessed Nathan Be perform at the regional DIY festival Prairie Frye, that I would later have the chance to photograph his live hardware set at one of our local mainstays, The Red Sea. Known for its vibrant presence in the Twin Cities electronic music scene, The Red Sea offers a robust platform for artists like Terrtheom, showcasing his unique sounds and contributions to our local culture.