I’m originally from Happy Valley, Oregon says Mr. Largebeat (aka as James Gertz). I learned to play drums in my parent’s basement where I was self taught. My favorite 45 record back then was by a local band from Portland Oregon called X15, and the song was called Cold Cold World.

My musical career started in 1969 in a band called the Frozen Flys in Ocean Beach, San Diego. I played in several bands in the Ocean Beach area including a band called Sloe Gin. James then moved to Ann Arbor, MI in 1975 with drums in tow to be amongst other musicians, and start a new musical career. My first band was called the Red Hots with Billy Barr. I continued to play drums in several projects including the Volume Whores with Dan Mulholland. My stage name Largebeat came from Dan who used to write the name Largebeat on the sleeves of my arms, and also printed it on flyers. This influenced me to change my middle name legally to Largebeat.  

The highlight of writing original songs came from a band that I was in called Batteur Attaque. The band was considered a punk space rock band with vocalist Suzy Rynski. I then started my first Largebeat project in 1984 recordings singles such as “Question of Flight” and “I Saw” I eventually moved on from drums to front man singing vocals, and playing the electronic theremin and percussion. I have been part of the Ann Arbor music scene from 1978 until the present. Mr. Largebeat’s other interests include high speed trains, and UFOs where he is a part time UFOlogist.

Interview by Sherry Andrews