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— Moogfest always draws a creative crowd. But the festival's proximity to Halloween inspires some fans to dress in unusual costumes.
Moogfest always draws a creative crowd. But the festival's proximity to Halloween inspires some fans to dress in unusual costumes.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Greetings, bronze-robot-man-from-the-future-space-alien-person.
Greetings, bronze-robot-man-from-the-future-space-alien-person.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Moogfest is held each year in Asheville, N.C., home to the festival's namesake, legendary synthesizer inventor Robert Moog. Fans flock from all over the world to hear the best in electronic performance, dance music and outer sound.
Moogfest is held each year in Asheville, N.C., home to the festival's namesake, legendary synthesizer inventor Robert Moog. Fans flock from all over the world to hear the best in electronic performance, dance music and outer sound.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— One of the highlights of this year's Moogfest was a performance by Morton Subotnick (left), a pioneer in electronic music. He performed his entire, now-legendary album Silver Apples of the Moon.
One of the highlights of this year's Moogfest was a performance by Morton Subotnick (left), a pioneer in electronic music. He performed his entire, now-legendary album Silver Apples of the Moon.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Morton Subotnick works the controls for a synthesizer originally designed by Don Buchla in the 1960s. Subotnick used a similar one to record Silver Apples of the Moon.
Morton Subotnick works the controls for a synthesizer originally designed by Don Buchla in the 1960s. Subotnick used a similar one to record Silver Apples of the Moon.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— In addition to electronic and dance music, Moogfest also features groundbreaking hip-hop performers, including Atlanta rapper Killer Mike, who struck a pose during his set at The Orange Peel.
In addition to electronic and dance music, Moogfest also features groundbreaking hip-hop performers, including Atlanta rapper Killer Mike, who struck a pose during his set at The Orange Peel.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Divine Fits, a rock group featuring Spoon's Britt Daniel, Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and New Bomb Turks' Sam Brown, was one of the few non-electronic or dance bands to perform at this year's Moogfest.
Divine Fits, a rock group featuring Spoon's Britt Daniel, Wolf Parade's Dan Boeckner and New Bomb Turks' Sam Brown, was one of the few non-electronic or dance bands to perform at this year's Moogfest.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Many of the performances at Moogfest married sound with stunning visuals, including this geometric light show from Squarepusher's set at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
Many of the performances at Moogfest married sound with stunning visuals, including this geometric light show from Squarepusher's set at the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— The English psych-ambient performer Shpongle performs at a sort of rainbow-colored throne.
The English psych-ambient performer Shpongle performs at a sort of rainbow-colored throne.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— A grim-faced "Big Brother" spaceman waves to fans during Primus' show at the Explore Asheville Arena.
A grim-faced "Big Brother" spaceman waves to fans during Primus' show at the Explore Asheville Arena.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— This viking-dog rocks way harder than you.
This viking-dog rocks way harder than you.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
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— Fans lose themselves in a performance by the English electronic dance group Orbital, at the Explore Asheville Arena.
Fans lose themselves in a performance by the English electronic dance group Orbital, at the Explore Asheville Arena.
/ Adam Kissick for NPR
If it weren't for Robert Moog, a lot of the music you enjoy today might not have been possible. As the inventor of the Moog synthesizer, he gave rise to not only the technology needed for modern electronic music, but also the creative spirit that inspired countless musicians to take his vision and play with it, mold it and reshape it into mind-blowing works of art.
This past weekend, a remarkably gifted group of electronic and experimental rock artists gathered in Asheville, N.C., for the annual Moogfest. All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen and NPR electronic and dance-music contributor Sami Yenigun were there and, on this week's show, discuss some of their favorite sets, including a special performance from electronic-music pioneer Morton Subotnick, Andy Stott, DJ legends Carl Craig and Richie Hawtin, along with Ana Sia, Squarepusher, Exitmusic and more.
Hear full sets from some of the performers at Moogfest 2012.
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