About Zaftig Research

Zaftig Research started in 1992 as a fake company at Comdex, a computer convention. We needed a name for our organization, and Zaftig Research was born. Over time, it has grown into an organization encompassing video, sound and print media. Zaftig Research has been responsible for television programs, short films, music videos, and compact discs.

From 1996 on, Zaftig Research has mainly functioned as a record label for our small group of artists, releasing limited edition works on CDR. We specialize in noise, dark ambient, power electronics, and other genres that are difficult to classify. We are mostly known for Stolen Light, Goose, and the annual Christmas compilations. We have also released a series of split releases with some of the more interesting names in experimental music.

Because of the increased interest in Zaftig Research, due mostly to the series of split releases and compilations, we feel it appropriate to tell everyone where we stand as a label. We do not wish to misrepresent ourselves and want to send a clear message to those who would like to work with us. So without further ado, we present:

Brett Lunceford's "Manifesto on Noise"

Zaftig Research produces noise for the sake of noise. It is not a political organization. That is not to say that I do not associate with artists who may be of a political bent, but it is safe to to say that this is not the place for them to do it. Zaftig Research is not here to be a soapbox for anyone's propaganda. Zaftig Research does not tolerate music that is overtly violent, misogynist, racist, or extremely sexual. Noise has become a breeding ground for these themes, choosing to label ignorance and stupidity as "extreme". If this cuts me off from a certain percentage of the noise population, so be it. The bottom line is that if I would feel ashamed to show it to my wife, I will not release it. Some may say that this is censorship on my part. I would say that this is not the case. I have the freedom to associate myself with who and what I please. I have no problem with someone else putting out an album that has all of the elements that I find undesirable. It just doesn't have to be put out by my label. They can release it on another label. There is far too much ugliness in the world without Zaftig Research adding to the heap. Yes, there are some who may say that Zaftig Research already is. However, those people have already written off the entire genre anyway. Those who can see the beauty in noise are the only ones left reading this. Zaftig Research is a refuge for those who see the beauty in noise. Does this mean that I only want "positive" messages in noise? Not really. Life is a series of plusses and minuses and I expect the same from music. If someone is going through a divorce and puts out a CD expressing feelings of despair and loneliness, then fine. Music is a wonderful tool for introspection. All of my music is very personal. I can tell you a story about each disc. However, I feel that there is a big difference between the previous example and someone putting out a disc about their fantasies of killing and raping prostitutes. When a CD goes out from Zaftig Research, it essentially has my name on it. It says, "Brett Lunceford has unleashed this upon the world." It had better be something that I am proud to be associated with.