The Bliss Machine
The Bliss Machine is a post-punk/funk band originally founded in the East side dormitories of the University of Illinois at Chicago in the Spring of 1991. The band went into hiatus when bassist, Graham Stuart left to focus on academic studies in the Fall of 1992.
History
Derrick Thompson and Dominic Tassone formed the core of The Bliss Machine and had been college roommates the prior summer. The group underwent several personnel and name changes evolving into a three-piece by the Fall of 1991. The band recorded a live 10-song album in May of 1992 titled "Ready to Roll" consisting of six original songs and four covers. Five of the original songs have been released online in 2021: Kuwait, Telemate, No Control, That Way and Don't Mess with a Woman.
The Bliss Machine played one live performance at an invite-only house party in the East Pilsen artist colony on May 29,199 - it was shut-down early by the Chicago Police due to noise concerns. Later that year, the band was forced the cancel their public debut scheduled for November 18, 1992 on Phyllis' Musical Inn.
Subsequent efforts to recruit a suitable replacement bassist/vocalist were unsuccessful and the project went into an extended hiatus. Co-founder Derrick Thompson continued joined Bröken Vëgas playing the drums from 1994-1996. Dominic Tassone parlayed the digital audio recording gear that he had acquired to launch Planet StarChild in 1993. Originally launched as a voicemail portal, then on a BBS and ultimately as Web database of indie music, it featured audio clips, label art and photography from musical artists. The following year he co-founded one of the first Web agency's Streams Online Media Development as general manager and audio engineer.
Co-founders Dominic Tassone and Derrick Thompson have re-formed the project in the Spring of 2021.
Original Line-up
- Graham Stuart, Bass Guitar & Vocals
- Derrick Thompson, Drums & Backing Vocals
- Dominic Tassone, Guitar & Vocals