News
27 October 2026 – EMA Returns With Total Control and Transforms a New Wave Classic Into Experimental Space Rock
By Editorial Team - October 27, 2026
Summary
Experimental artist EMA (Erika M. Anderson) reimagines The Motels' 1979 new-wave classic Total Control as expansive, noisy space rock for a multimedia project.
Key Facts
- EMA returns with a reimagined space-rock version of The Motels' 1979 classic 'Total Control'.
- Part of multimedia art project 'Memory As A Rock Out Of Reach' with digital artist Tabitha Nikolai.
- Screening scheduled at Portland's Tomorrow Theater on November 21.
- Entities: EMA, Erika M. Anderson, The Motels, Tabitha Nikolai, Memory As A Rock Out Of Reach, Past Life Martyred Saints
- Tags: ema, erika-m-anderson, total-control, the-motels, tabitha-nikolai, experimental-rock, space-rock, noise-rock
American experimental musician Erika M. Anderson, better known as EMA, has returned with a new interpretation of "Total Control", originally recorded by new-wave group The Motels in 1979. The recording forms part of Memory As A Rock Out Of Reach, an ambitious multimedia collaboration between Anderson and visual artist Tabitha Nikolai.
EMA has remained relatively quiet as a solo recording artist since releasing Exile In The Outer Ring in 2017, making the new recording a welcome development for followers of her distinctive musical approach. Her interpretation of "Total Control" retains elements of the original composition while introducing heavier guitars, expansive electronic textures and a more experimental atmosphere.
The multimedia project combines music with digital environments and visual storytelling, exploring childhood identity and personal memory through technologies associated with video games. Its creative presentation draws upon degraded digital imagery, reconstructed environments and references to consumer culture during the 1980s. Anderson previously established her reputation through the group Gowns before releasing acclaimed solo material including Past Life Martyred Saints. Her work frequently combines emotionally intense songwriting with unconventional production and abrasive instrumental arrangements.
Memory As A Rock Out Of Reach is scheduled for a screening at Portland's Tomorrow Theater on November 21, with both Anderson and Nikolai expected to attend. The project demonstrates how independent musicians can expand their creative activities beyond conventional albums and concerts. It also provides an interesting example of older musical material being reinterpreted through contemporary technology. Apparently the 1980s were not sufficiently strange the first time around, so EMA has decided to rebuild them using digital ghosts, distorted guitars and a considerable amount of artistic imagination. Explore more avant-garde sounds in our experimental hub.