On its 25th anniversary, no1uno (pronounced “no one you know”) has released a revised and remastered version of their anthemic single, “id” (pronounced “I – D”), originally featured on their second album, no1uno2.
“It wasn’t until now that I realized “id” was our anthem—representing the fierce artistic independence of the group and our adventurous work,” Marc reflects.
no1uno
no1uno was pioneering the path of artistic self-reliance and creative control. Marc A Gallo, Dan McKay and James Sempsey were no1uno.
“No Idea Who I Am” Identity Crisis In The Internet Age
James explains the inspiration behind the song. “At the time, I was working on my doctoral dissertation, which dealt, among other things, with the emergence and ambiguity of identity in online environments. Those were the very early days of the internet’s popularization—so early, in fact, that when I told people what I was working on, I’d often be asked, ‘What’s the internet?’”
He continues, “As a student of social psychology, I was also fascinated by how the internet, along with more established media such as television, popular music, and film, defined the parameters of self-perception. While I was enthralled by the potential of online environments, I was also aware of—and frightened by—the possibility that one could ‘lose their soul’ in such a virtual world. From that tension, the theme for “id” emerged.”
According to James, “id” offers a cautionary tale. “The lyrics attempt to explain how one can possess a strong sense of identity—or even multiple identities—and still feel isolated and ungrounded. In a largely fictional, hyper-mediated world, most of our role models, ideals, and beliefs tend to be based on fleeting social memes, highly manipulated and quick to dissolve the moment we examine them. Self-reflection becomes warped in a house of distorted media mirrors.”
The Anthemic Single “id” by no1uno
Originally Shelved For Years
Ironically, “id” was both the first song the band worked on and the last one they finished. It sat shelved for years while they collaborated on other material.
One of the song’s standout moments came from guitarist Dan McKay. At the end of the final chorus, he tears into a blazing solo that culminates in a riveting recitation of the “id” chorus.
“id” Lyrics
By James Sempsey (Verses) and Marc A Gallo (Chorus)
See me dressed in linear fashion
I stand corrected, from my head to my toes
You’d never guess I am chained to reaction
You’d never guess I am naked beneath these clothes
Thinking of the things that I might be
As I cringe to the cult of personality
Chasing heaven down a road that leads to hell
I’d sell my soul for a soul to sell
id, no idea who I am…
Am I? No idea who? id, id
Who am I to question the sages?
One of many
One of them
One of you
Single quotation in a book of pages
In isolation these narrations are seldom true.
A hall of mirrors, I see no reflection
Just a regression of obscure points of view
These fractured footsteps that leave no impression
Too many memories and yet too few
id, no idea who I am, id…
“All these nice people here
have lost their spunk too, heh!”
no1uno — the band you never knew
From their private recording studio in Pennsylvania, no1uno (pronounced “no one you know”) sculpted their unique sound into sonically adventurous music and songs.
Their musical influences are progressive rock, noise, industrial and grunge primarily but the works are considered eclectic.
Members Marc A. Gallo (gallospole), James Sempsey III (iii) and Daniel H. McKay (mazlin wratch) recorded, mixed and produced their works between 1994 and 1999.
They published two CDs and remastered and released both in 2020, courtesy of Great Egg Music. They’re available on most streaming services including Spotify and Apple Music.
Visit no1uno.com for more information.
Subscribe to their YouTube channel
Listen to their other works and interviews at the links below:
Contact:
Marc A. Gallo
Mind The Gap
610-745-7764
marc@wemindthegap.com
