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Pfunkt

"It's a great time to be yourself" crows Pittsburgh-based Techno, Hip-Hop performance artist Pfunkt (aka Alex Burkat). Known for his high-energy act - a mix of parody and insanity that channels Borat, the Beastie Boys & Cher, his music, antics & videos have helped place him on opening slots for national acts like Freezepop and traveling with the Vans Warped Tour.

AP: Your music & performances seem very tongue-in-check with a lot of beat – describe your shows & influences.
Pfunkt: In your face experimental pop electro with an interactive, unpredictable, naughty live performance along the lines of 2 Live Crew, Kraftwerk, and Kid Rock.

AP: How many weeks a year do you perform?
Pfunkt: I usually perform twice a month, either DJing or live performance somewhere on the east coast (usually Brooklyn, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, southern New Jersey in 97 Purple Camry and occasionally Austin, TX by plane). Rarely tour outside these markets unless all travel expenses are paid.

AP: Has the economy and gas prices put a crimp in your style?
Pfunkt: Despite being a one man band with few expenses, gas prices are so extraordinarily high that I personally believe that touring without significant show guarantees is counter productive to what you're able to accomplish through general networking and internet contacts.

However, I'm currently on Warped Tour doing video publicity for Valencia, and this gives me opportunities to promote myself and meet other bands, promoters, etc. I'm traveling by bus, and all expenses are paid, which gives me access to see the country during recession.

AP: What’s your take on the live music scene?
Pfunkt: Bookers are EXTREMELY cautious now, but not as much as bands. Today, both promoters and bands have to be very direct about finances in order to cover basic travel expenses. The days of driving a 14 hour round trip to somewhere in the middle of Pennsylvania to perform in front of 30 people without a money guarantee is over. Unless gas prices significantly drop, promoters and touring acts will continue to suffer.

I personally believe this is an absolutely incredible time to be a musician, because your avenues of exposure are endless. The modern market (or lack of) challenges the old ideas, and you constantly have to innovate and stay on the cutting edge of the industry (or whatever "the next thing" is) in order to survive.

[One of the difficulties] is getting people to listen to all of your material beyond "what they heard about you."

I find this all exhilarating, but I've seen 1st hand that it's extremely difficult to be a "standard rock band" in 2008. That said, it's a great era to be yourself.