Chrissy Murderbot plays Crowbar in Ybor City, Fla. on Sept. 22, 2012. | Photo by: Brian Mahar ©

When news broke that beloved Chrissy Murderbot would come ripping and roaring through Tampa for his first time, the general feeling was that of elation. As you know, Tampa is not exactly known for its exodus of dance outfits from the other forty nine states. Actually, Tampa has never been the birthing place for many dance or electronic musicians, as it has always seemed we’ve been quicker to arm ourselves with guitars and basses than with synthesizers and drum machines.

When the pure, unadulterated musician Mr. Murderbot came rolling through, we jumped at the opportunity to ask the gentleman a few quick questions about his music and his home, Chicago. We also snagged a few photos from the show at Crowbar with openers Navigateur and Spies on Bikes on the 22nd of September.
There seems to be a stigma associated with dance music – that it’s cheap, or vapid. Do you see it as an art, or as a tool?

I think the stigma only exists in the rock world. It’s the same stigma against R&B or hip hop, and I think a lot of those negative opinions are rooted mostly in ignorance, racism, homophobia, classism, etc. I definitely view dance music as art – functional art, but art nonetheless. I don’t really hang around in rock circles very much, so luckily I’m not exposed to the dance-music-haters very often.

Do you think it’s changing for the better, or worse, in regards to the internet’s involvement?

The internet is awesome and makes everything better. The people I meet, the opportunities I have, the real-time interaction of it all – it’s really wonderful for the music. We’ve lost some of the magic of digging through record stores and the mystery of “What is that tune he just played?!” but I think it’s a fair trade-off.

Do you feel like you owe any part of your success to the internet? 

Yes, absolutely.

I’ve had a few close friends move to Chicago recently. I’ve given it a thought too. From what I’ve seen though, there are two very different “Chicagos”.

More than two! Chicago is a very segregated place, and that goes for the music scene as well. It’s sad, but it’s a very tricky problem to fix.

How has the city influenced your music?

I grew up on Chicago house music and ghetto house among other things, so that has always been with me. And the scenester politics of the city itself have definitely made me resolved to be a really positive person – to counteract all the negativity out here, you know?

You started out as a DJ – do you find it easier to get people to respond to the music when you’re picking and choosing from a huge selection of music, or when you’re making it yourself?

It’s apples and oranges. I love both, and each is right for certain situations.

What album have you had on repeat recently?

The Essential Luther Vandross.

Check out Chrissy Murderbot’s Friendship EP below, and find more of Emanuel’s past work at Brasky.org.