Lee Hutzulak, Vancouver

Performing from 1991–2001 as leader of DIXIE'S DEATH POOL, Lee Hutzulak produced miniature studio epics, characterized by a startling variety of atmospheres, evocative vocals, melodies, and quirky pop hooks. Moving from Victoria to Vancouver in 2000 was the beginning of the end for DDP, and after the release of Soon in 2001 the live ensemble pretty much ceased to exist. Work in the studio continued though: numerous sessions with DDP regulars and a few special guests were crushed, sifted, stirred together and over the course of a couple years crystallized in what The Wire called "A THING OF DELICATE ATMOSPHERIC BEAUTY" — Princess Builder. Lee's music has always struck a balance between song and sound, combining electro-acoustic ambience, musique concrète, and improvisation. This process generates an ever expanding library of sounds, focusing on texture, tone and space — essential materials of future recordings and mixer based performance. On the flip, a desire to keep it immediate, and perhaps as a reaction to increasingly complex set ups, Hutzulak continues to explore, both as a soloist, and in small improvising ensembles, the acoustic guitar, a few choice effect boxes and all manner of extended technique. Recent concert highlights include performances at Open Space, the Fifty Fifty in Victoria; the Western Front, Video In, Blim, the Butcher Shop Floor and the OR Gallery in Vancouver.