Your favorite podcast about underrated club anthems is back from its deep slumber to present the first episode of its third season, dedicated to retro-futurism legends Information Society and their 1988 top 3 hit "What's On Your Mind (Pure Energy)". InSoc's own Paul Robb joins us to share his memories of how his band came together, the different musical influences that led to it, their role in the Minneapolis music scene, and how a 10-minute instrumental was transformed into their most remembered song.
The “Minneapolis Sound” is eclectic at its core. From the funktified innovations of Prince and André Cymone to the polished productions of Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis and the alt-rock fire of The Replacements, the scene always made space for everything—and everyone—even an offbeat band like Information Society.
In 1982, the same year The Purple One invited us to party like it was 1999, InSoc burst onto the scene with a robotic synth style that recalled Kraftwerk, early Devo, and Gary Numan. Paul Robb, Kurt Larson, and James Cassidy embraced the DIY ethos of punk, quickly building a loyal following. But true recognition didn’t come until the band relocated to New York City, where they forged their signature sound—a fusion of electro and pulsating dance beats that launched them onto the charts.
With the guidance of seasoned producer Fred Marr, the trio absorbed everything around them, from radio staples to late-night TV static. Armed with samples—and a certain ’60s sci-fi phenomenon like Star Trek—Paul Robb crafted InSoc’s pop breakout hit, a track that dominated clubs from L.A. to Rio and beyond. It set the foundation for the group’s unique brand of intellectual, tech-driven pop, a sound that remains as vibrant today as ever.
Show Tracklisting:
Information Society on Social Media:
Host and Producer: Diego Martinez
Executive Producer: Nicholas "NickFresh" Puzo
Audio Engineer: Adam Fogel
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