Mystic Squared (M²)
Mystic Squared was a Scottish-American-Asian folk-rock band that gained a cult following in the late 1980s. Conceived in the bustling, dim-lit coffeehouses of Seattle’s underground music scene, the band stood out as a beacon of soulful reflection amidst the technological boom of the era. Their sound—an enigmatic blend of folk, rock, classical, and blues—spoke to themes of connection, nostalgia, and the loss of simplicity in an increasingly digital world.
Formation and Members
The band was formed in 1987, with membership consisting of the following individuals:
Rutt Devyik – Lead vocals
Lester 'Hacksaw' Lee – Harmonica
Pete Brave – Flute
Chai Ng – Celtic Harp
Grace Tong – Cello
Bette Saffrica – Violin, vocals
'Wee' Stirling – Viola, vocals
Fiona MacLeod – Background vocals
Heather Sinclair – Background vocals
Morag Campbell – Background vocals
The ensemble arose from the union of Sonic Pigg band members—Rutt Devyik, Lester 'Hacksaw' Lee, and Pete Brave—and former members of Gun Tairgse, who repurposed their talents after Wing Shempt's solo career proved unsuccessful. A transformative peyote experience in the desert inspired the addition of three new string players—Chai Ng, Grace Tong, and Bette Saffrica—who brought perfect pitch and more cultural diversity to the group's music.
Music and Influence
Mystic Squared produced music that defied conventional categorization. Their instruments, no guitars or drums and a stark contrast to the synthetic sounds prevalent at the time, celebrated the purity of acoustic music.
The maker of Slink Gunk, a rich fan, gave them $31,000 to independently produce there sole album in 1992. With their still off brand style and an instrumental for the album title track they found no market except selling cassettes at their gigs. The album had 7 songs varying in length from 2:11 to 14:34.
The album, "Echoes of Ephemera" (1992), featured a range of tracks from the two-minute acoustic reverie to the epic fourteen-minute overture. With no electric guitars or drums, the band’s diversity in sound was as much a challenge to market as it was a testament to their talents.
The song "Tarnished Connections," from the aforementioned album, rose to unexpected fame as the most pirated song of the year 2000 due to the advent of Napster, despite the band's disbandment in 1995. It became an anthem for many who resonated with its raw authenticity and impassioned performance, encapsulating Mystic Squared's legacy as a symbol of emotional authenticity in modern music.
Discography
Album - "Echoes of Ephemera" (1992)
- Tracks:
"Hoverover" 2:11
"Tarnished Connections" 3:46
"Minimum Safe Distance" 4:58
"Raunch Loadstone" 2:11
"DLB-NTS-SMSC" 7:40
"Wind Blown" 14:34
"Echoes of Ephemera (Instrumental)" 6:11
Legacy and Closure
Mystic Squared's departure from the music scene was as abrupt as their emergence, their brief existence leaving a lasting impact on followers and the industry. With their music, they captured the essence of human yearning in a period marked by rapid technological advancements, offering introspective lyrics and a sound that was both a rebellion and a harbinger of change. Despite their short run, the legacy of Mystic Squared continues to inspire musicians and fans who find solace in the raw, genuine expression of emotions through music.
The band ultimately folded due to internal conflicts and Rutt's breakup with Stirling. However, their singular album and its continued cult status over the years exemplify the enduring appeal of Mystic Squared's message—a voice on the edge that echoes through the ephemera of an ever-evolving musical landscape.
Notes
Track 5: DLB-NTS-SMSC
The fifth track on the album, "DLB-NTS-SMSC," represents an unconventional musical collage. The title, which at first glance seems like a jumble of letters, is actually an acronym derived from the first letter of each band member's last name. This intricately structured track consists of ten individual 45-second vignettes—solo pieces that are vocal, instrumental, or a fusion of both—that spotlight the essence and spirit of each member’s unique persona and style.
These deeply personal miniatures serve as both a showcase of the band's range of talent and an intimate look into the hearts of its members. Though "DLB-NTS-SMSC" stands as the album’s least popular track amongst the general listenership, a sect of Mystic Squared’s most fervent fans herald it as their most insightful piece. To these devotees, the track is a puzzle of artistry, with each segment offering a window into the contributing artist’s soul and thereby into the soul of the band itself.
The complexity and personal nature of "DLB-NTS-SMSC" make it a challenging listen for some, yet it is the very depth and demand it places on the listener that inspire a certain reverence. Those who have immersed themselves in decoding its nuances often cite it as the hidden gem of "Echoes of Ephemera," representative of Mystic Squared's fearless dive into unorthodox musical expression.
'Wee' Stirling
Early Life and Origins
Born in Aberdeen, Scotland, in 1965, the artist affectionately known as 'Wee' Stirling carved a distinct presence within the folk-rock scene due to her exceptional musical talent and petite stature. Standing at only 4 feet 7 inches tall, 'Wee' Stirling captivated audiences not only with her strong crisp head voice but also with her striking physical appearance, accentuated by her jet-black hair. In contrast, her bandmates from Gun Tairgse all sported bright red hair and were considerably taller, ranging from 5 feet 8 inches to 5 feet 10 inches in height.
Gun Tairgse and the Signature Stage Formation
'Wee' Stirling gained recognition as the focal point of Gun Tairgse during their performances. The visually impactful arrangement of having her bandmates form a tight curve around her on stage became a signature formation and an iconic look for the band. This distinctive staging allowed for Stirling to be at the forefront, her powerful presence defying her small frame, creating a vivid and memorable image for fans.
Mystic Squared and Legacy
The mystique surrounding 'Wee' Stirling's personal background is further deepened by the loss of her real first name to history. Nevertheless, she remains an integral figure in the legacy of Mystic Squared, the band she later co-founded, bringing her rich heritage and unique artistry to a wider audience. Her contributions to music and performance art continue to be celebrated by fans and critics alike, ensuring that 'Wee' Stirling's impact on the world of folk-rock is not diminished by her enigmatic past.
Sonic Pigg
Background Information
Origin: Seattle, Washington, United States
Genres: Proto-Grunge, Experimental Rock
Years Active: Late 1970s-1985
Associated Acts: Mystic Squared (M²)
Members
Rutt Devyik — Vocals, Various Instruments
Lester 'Hacksaw' Lee — Bass Guitar, Vocals
Pete Brave — Drums, Percussion
History
Sonic Pigg was an avant-garde musical group formed in the vibrant scene of late 1970s Seattle. Known for their sonically challenging and unpredictable performances, the trio was composed of Rutt Devyik, Lester 'Hacksaw' Lee, and Pete Brave. They became known for their paradigm-shifting live shows in unconventional spaces, indulging in the underground music of Seattle's cultural milieu.
Musical Style and Influence
Sonic Pigg's approach to music was characterized by a philosophy of relentless experimentation. Their dynamic output included stacastic verbal assaults backed by a rotating assemblage of instruments, some of which changed from show to show. This deliberate avoidance of a permanent setup became a signature of the band, enhancing the raw, often improvisational energy of their performances.
Legacy and Impact
The band was a provocative force, challenging norms and digging the foundational trenches for what would later be known as Grunge. Sonic Pigg's genre-defying antics paved the way for a new wave of musicians, demonstrating that risk-taking in music could resonate with audiences hungry for authenticity.
Rutt Devyik was quoted as saying: "We did not become Mystic Squared. M² was three bands in a tight orbit around each other lending each a structure we were lacking individually."
This statement highlights the band's relationship with contemporaries Mystic Squared (M²), emphasizing the collective and collaborative nature of the music scene at the time. It evokes an image of a galactic music ecosystem where individual entities shared creative gravity, impacting one another's trajectories in significant ways.
Trivia
Due to their unpredictable live sets and experimental sound, Sonic Pigg enjoyed a cult following that continues to celebrate their impact on the Seattle music scene decades later.
Though no official recordings are known to exist, various bootlegged tapes of Sonic Pigg's performances have circulated in the underground music community, adding to the band's mystique.
Sonic Pigg was a key subject in the documentary "Prequel to Grunge: Seattle's Lost Revolutionaries," which explored the city's music scene in the years leading up to the Grunge explosion.
Gun Tairgse (No Offer)
Background Information
Origin: Aberdeen, Scotland
Genres: Heavy Folk Rock
Years Active: Late 1982-1985
Associated Acts: Mystic Squared (M²)
Members
Wing Shempt - Guitar, Vocals
'Wee' Stirling – Viola, Vocals
Fiona MacLeod – Background vocals
Heather Sinclair – Background vocals
Morag Campbell – Background vocals
History
Gun Tairgse was formed in Aberdeen, Scotland, in late 1982 and quickly became one of the defining bands in the Heavy Folk Rock genre. With their unique blend of traditional Scottish folk music and rock elements, the band built a dedicated following. Their music often incorporated themes of local folklore and history, intertwining them with the raw energy of rock.
Played small venues in Aberdeen, Glasgow, Cardiff.
Musical Style and Influence
Their sound was characterized by the rich, emotive strings of the viola played by 'Wee' Stirling, set against the backdrop of heavy guitar riffs from Wing Shempt. This created a haunting and sometimes gritty atmosphere that captivated their audience. Gun Tairgse's robust vocal harmonies provided by Fiona MacLeod, Heather Sinclair, and Morag Campbell, added a layer of depth and resonance to their music.
Legacy and Impact
Even though their active years were brief, Gun Tairgse left a lasting impression on the Heavy Folk Rock scene. Their dissolution in 1985 led to various musical explorations by their members, with some venturing into other music scenes and countries.
Trivia
Wing Shempt's decision to pursue a solo career marked the end of Gun Tairgse in early 1985.
'Wee' Stirling's encounter with Sonic Pigg during a holiday in California led to a personal relationship with Rutt Devyik and subsequently contributed to the formation of Mystic Squared (M²).
After forming Mystic Squared they let their visas lapse and stayed in the USA illegally until '92 when Heather got pulled over for drunk driving and she was deported. The rest of her former members of Gun Tairgse went with her.
Heather Sinclair was a trust fund baby from her great grandfather's invention of a tar refining process. She was worth millions and funded much of the band's endeavors, showcasing the oft-hidden financial backbones that support rising bands.
'Wee' Stirling gained recognition as the focal point of Gun Tairgse during their performances. The visually impactful arrangement of having her bandmates form a tight curve around her on stage became a signature formation and an iconic look for the band. This distinctive staging allowed for Stirling to be at the forefront, her powerful presence defying her small frame, creating a vivid and memorable image for fans.