Mindless Self Indulgence

Mindless Self Indulgence (often identified using the abbreviation MSI) is an American electronic rock band formed in New York City in 1997. Their music has a mixed style which includes punk rock, alternative rock, electronica, techno, industrial, hip hop, and breakbeat hardcore. MSI has also been known to define themselves as "electro-punk jungle pussy" or "industrial jungle pussy punk". Their group name is derived from an Ayn Rand quote found in the book Atlas Shrugged.

History

Between 1987 and 1996, James Euringer (stage name Jimmy Urine) recorded about 35 songs which varied in musical style, usually settling in an industrial/electronic punk style. These songs were recorded alone by Euringer in New York City using rudimentary equipment. Euringer released an album titled Mindless Self-Indulgence, which featured songs in a very industrial style akin to Nine Inch Nails.

The first concert using the name "Mindless Self Indulgence" was performed on September 7, 1995.

In 1997, Euringer recorded a cover of Method Man's "Bring The Pain", which was made by merging six different styles of the same cover into one song. This became the basis for the Mindless Self Indulgence sound. Shortly after, the current band was formed when Jimmy Urine was joined by Steve, Righ? on guitar, Urine's brother Markus Euringer on second guitar (replaced by bassist Vanessa Y.T., who was subsequently replaced by bassist Lyn-Z), and Urine's cousinKitty on drums. They have released five albums, two EPs, one live album, and one live DVD. Rather than signing traditional record contracts, the band has licensed most of their albums to record labels, retaining ownership of the music.