Today’s video of the day is Humanoid – “Stakker Humanoid” released in 1988.
In 1988, the London-based label Westside Records witnessed the birth of a groundbreaking collaboration between video artists Mark McLean and Colin Scott. Together, they embarked on Stakker, a visionary project merging visual art with music. Seeking sonic support for their video, they turned to Brian Dougans, whose musical prowess complemented their visuals seamlessly.
The genesis of “Stakker Humanoid” stemmed from a convergence of talents and a fusion of mediums. The initial project, titled “Humanoid,” was slated for release under Stakker via Morgan Khan’s Westside Records. However, navigating copyright complexities, the track emerged as “Stakker Humanoid” by the moniker ‘Humanoid,’ steering clear of legal entanglements. Drawing inspiration from the video game Berzerk, the sample “Humanoid” not only lent its name to the track but also infused it with a pulsating energy. It was a convergence of sonic elements that birthed an influential Eurotechno masterpiece, spearheaded by Brian Dougans, with co-production and engineering assistance from John Laker.
Yet, creative differences arose between Dougans and the Stakker duo, leading to their split before the record’s release. This schism delineated Stakker’s visual-centric focus from Dougans’ vision of a cohesive audio-music ensemble. Despite this parting, McLean and Dougans continued their creative journey, collaborating on multiple Future Sound of London projects. “Stakker Humanoid” remains an emblem of innovative synergy, encapsulating the fusion of art forms. This track found its place not in a specific album but rather in the pioneering realm of electronic music, a testament to the amalgamation of visuals and sound that transcended traditional boundaries.
Within Humanoid’s discography, this seminal track serves as a milestone, a precursor to their evolution across subsequent albums. Its impact resonates, echoing through their musical journey, shaping the trajectory of their future works. “Stakker Humanoid” stands as an enduring testament to the marriage of audio and visual arts, a sonic legacy that continues to reverberate through the annals of electronic music history.
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