On the evening of September 12, 2024, a name that evoked a whirlwind of indescribable emotions passed through Istanbul: IAMX. This solo music project, founded in London in 2002 by Chris Corner—formerly of the British trip-hop band Sneaker Pimps—draws on the experimentalism of visual arts while encompassing various musical genres such as electronic rock, dance, burlesque, and ballads.
Chris Corner’s expansive vocal range and intricate production style define IAMX’s discography. To date, the project has released ten studio albums, two remix albums, two experimental albums, two live albums, and an acoustic reimagining album. Tackling themes such as death, love, addiction, drugs, and corruption, IAMX also delves into religion, modern society and politics, alienation, and sexual identity. Corner accentuates these themes both on and off stage with his distinctive androgynous image.
(Chris Corner)
Energetic and theatrical live performances have become a hallmark of IAMX shows. Corner and his live band members incorporate complex stage designs filled with artistic props and accessories, often enhanced by projections during live performances. Additionally, all official IAMX music videos are personally directed, filmed, and edited by Corner. “I love video. There are so many realms that music and visuals can reach together. I’ve always painted pictures with sound and had vivid imagery in my head while making music, so transitioning into video was natural,” Corner said. His music videos, as expected, are bold and provocative.
Having lived in Berlin for many years, a city where he embraced an independent path while caring less about the music industry’s constraints, Chris Corner relocated to California in 2014 after battling chronic insomnia and depression. Reflecting on this move, he stated, “I needed a big change of scenery. I had a few friends in Los Angeles, and it felt like the right place for me. So, I got on a boat and set sail for America.”
(The powerful artistic imagery of Chris Corner)
I also cannot overlook the remarkable Jon Siren, the unconventional drummer of this extraordinary band. In addition to performing with IAMX, Siren is active in three other projects, tirelessly moving from tour to tour. A true gothic soul, cat lover, and vegan, he captivates audiences with his cool, rebellious, and untouchable stage persona.
Yet, offstage, Siren connects with people on a more personal level, sharing humble health and fitness videos that inspire his followers in areas beyond music. He has also authored a book titled “Tour of Vegan,” where he offers valuable tips and insights on veganism.
(IAMX İstanbul Dorock XL – 2024)
Transforming every performance into a dark image drawn from his subconscious, blending electronic experimentation with punk energy and confessional lyricism, Chris Corner reunited with his fans on September 12 at the DorockXL Venue Fitaş Stage. For me, experiencing IAMX live for the first time was an unforgettable journey. Corner’s haunting voice, his electrifying stage presence, iconic tracks such as “After Every Party I Die,” “Alternative,” “Happiness,” and “Bernadette,” along with his experimental videos, made this one of the most exhilarating concert experiences of my life. If only the venue’s sound system and acoustics had been up to the task of capturing the magnificence of Corner’s voice…
With tracks like “This Will Make You Love Again” plunging you into deep introspection and “After Every Party I Die” lifting you back up, Corner is undeniably an extraordinary artist. His voice, oscillating between sweetness and intensity, tears at something deep inside. IAMX, capable of crafting melancholic yet danceable love songs simultaneously, reminds us again and again that music is the ultimate faith connecting us to life despite its hardships. It’s a catharsis unlike any other.
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