Go-Go Golem record label reflects a proud heritage

By Mark McLaughlin

Scott Morschhauser, lead singer for The Metrolites, is taking his career in music to the next level. He's starting his own record label, Go-Go Golem, to promote, distribute and sell his band's music. And while the name of the new label is amusing and catchy, many people may not know it also reflects Mr. Morschhauser's proud Jewish heritage.

"A golem is a character from folklore, kind of like a Jewish superhero," said Mr. Morschhauser, 40. "It was a man made out of clay, created by Rabbi Loeb in the 1500s to protect the Jews from their political and religious enemies."

A silent movie, "The Golem," was made in 1921 based on the legend. In the movie, the Golem is a massive, incredibly strong creature. "The logo for my company is pretty cool --- it shows a Golem go-go dancing," said Mr. Morschhauser.

He added that the legend of the Golem inspired the creators of both Frankenstein's Monster and Superman. "Anybody researching the Superman story would find Jewish references in the names of characters," he said.

Mr. Morschhauser used to be the lead singer for the popular group The Kabalas, and he said that name also reflects his heritage. "The name was based on the Kabbalah, a form of Jewish mysticism," he said. "I like the poetry, imagery and wisdom that comes out of the Kabbalah."

Just as the Golem was a majestic creation, so is the birth of this new company for Mr. Morschhauser. At this point, the new label will only be releasing CDs by The Metrolites. "We're not looking to put out works by other groups at this time," he said. "But we are helping with the distribution and sales of the soundtrack CD for the play, `Your Favorite Band.'"

The members of The Metrolites are Mr. Morschhauser, on digital xylophone, auxiliary percussion, theremin, rhythm guitar and vocals; "Nervous" Neal Smith, 41, on saxes, electric violin and vocals; Josh Duffee, 25, on drums; Kathleen Gallagher, 23, on guitar, electric ukelele and vocals; and Devin Kirby-Hansen, 21, on bass and vocals.

Mr. Morschhauser said it is important for the music community in this area to work together. "For example, we've done shows at the River Music Experience museum in Davenport, and we want to do more," he said. "Working together will make this area stronger. There is something to be said for making a local scene, a culture --- but you have to work at it."

In addition to sales and distribution, Go-Go Golem also will handle publishing the works of The Metrolites. "We own the copyright and we make decisions on its usage," he said. "We'll be trying to get our music into places where it should be, like movies and television."

Their upcoming CD, "The Metrolites in Spy-Fi," is currently being manufactured and will soon be available for $12. Pre-orders can be placed by sending an e-mail to metrolites@metrolites.com.

"We'll always be looking to do something different or extra to promote the band," Mr. Morschhauser said. "We're the house band at The Copia in the District of Rock Island, and we have band t-shirts and posters, too. The new record label will help us to grow even more."

To find out more about Mr. Morschhauser's musical endeavors, visit www.GoGoGolem.com and www.Metrolites.com on the Web.

Copyright 2004, Moline Dispatch Publishing Co.