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 1991. The band went into hiatus when signature bassist, Graham Stuart left in November 1992 to focus on academic studies. Co-founders Dominic Tassone and Derrick Thompson have re-formed the project in 2021.
History
The Bliss Machine recorded a live 10-song album in May of 1992 titled "Ready to Roll" consistig of six originals and four covers. Five original songs have been released online in 2021: Kuwait, Telemate, No Control, That Way and Don't Mess with a Woman.
The band played one live performance at an invite-only house party in Pilsen on May 29,1992 that was shut-down by the Chicago Police due to noise concerns. The untimely break-up of the band later that year forced the band to cancel their scheduled debut at Phyllis' Musical Inn on November 18, 1992.
Subsequent efforts to recruit a suitable replacement bassist/vocalist were unsuccessful and the project went into an extended hiatus. Co-founder 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 independent music, it featured audio clips, label art and photography from indie artists. The following year he co-founded one of the first Web agency's Streams Online Media Development as general manager and audio engineer.
Original Line-up
- Graham Stuart, Bass Guitar & Vocals
- Derrick Thompson, Drums & Backing Vocals
- Dominic Tassone, Guitar & Vocals