Merzbow is Masami Akita, the noise god from Tokyo, Japan. Starting 1979, he has released numerous albums and formed two record labels. The name Merzbow comes from German artist Kurt Schwitter's artwork, Merzbau. This was decided upon to reflect Akita's dada influence and junk-art aesthetic. In addition to this, Akita has cited a wide range of influences from various progressive rock musicians such as Frank Zappa and King Crimson over to Japanese bondage. In 2000, Extreme Records released the 50 CD boxset known as the Merzbox.
Since 2004 he has been a supporter of PETA (People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals) which has influenced a number of animal-themed releases as well as Akita becoming vegan. Being a profilic artist, he has also written a number of books and has been the editor of several magazines in Japan. He has written about a variety of subjects, mostly about art, avant-garde and post-modern culture.
So far Masami Akita produced over 200 releases since 1980, and Merzbow has to be regarded as one of the most important artist in noise.
On elevate festival he will be accompanied by Balázs Pándi, hungarian drummer on various projects. His activities reach from live drumming with Otto von Schirach and To live and shave in LA to studio works on Venetian Snares' album Pink+Green. Forthcoming drum parts for Flying Lotus, as well as a project with Justin Broadrick, Bill Laswell and Enduser - Blood of Heroes.