The secrets of dance therapy

With a proper dose of irony, a self-released album and fan nicknames such as “ontological terrorist,” Ian Anderson of Guidance Counselor is making a convincing play for the respect of all aficionados in Portland’s nationally recognized dance scene.

His one-man music project, which began with the serendipitous purchase of a sequencer as opposed to a synthesizer, was recognized as an entirely unique element of Portland’s “DIY-punk dance-starters” in the October 2008 issue of XLR8R magazine. His lyrics poke fun at the contradictions of the local scene while his experimental beat constructions and crowd-oriented live shows secure his spot in the paradox.

Following proper protocol for joining a two-person band in high school, Anderson began his career in a basement “playing with sounds.” He specialized in ukulele. Since then, he’s developed a distinct voice, taking inspiration from the likes of TV on the Radio, Liars and Lakes, and providing a safe place for genre hoppers to escape. His talents are the Crayola box of the electronic-grunge dance scene–simple, colorful and bubbling with the potential to create swirls and shapes pushed deliberately outside the lines.

“Aside from six months of piano lessons I never practiced for, I am completely untrained,” says Anderson. “It makes it interesting. People have the ability to watch my learning curve as it happens.”

Fellow musicians appreciate his innovation, fans of the mismatched genre revere his dedication to their dance party antics and teenage girls can’t get enough of his big grin and horn-rimmed glasses.

However, Anderson’s core intentions follow a somewhat different path.

“If I can just spin an angst-ridden teenager into an existential crisis and back again, I’d consider it a success,” he says.

In attempting to do just that, Anderson has provided his fans with Get Brave, a debut album that feels as delightfully makeshift as its creator. Hidden inside an origami cardboard glove, the CD is accompanied by a foldout poster scribbled with lyrics, artwork and special thanks. It provides one more example of his pugnacious ability to use any shortcoming to his advantage, turning out unexpected quality and charm.

Guidance Counselor was intended as the relatively meaningless, but audibly pleasing name of Anderson’s high school two-piece. In a foreshadowing of future events, the phrase became an alias for Anderson himself, and fans continue to refer to him as either Ian or GC interchangeably. Since the introduction of the name, Anderson has begun taking on interestingly relevant roles with his music.

“I want my music to provide a safe place for kids to party,” he says.

Anderson uses fast tempos that carry heavy-hitting, diverse lyrics to accomplish that goal, though he admits to ulterior motives.

“I had a fear of dancing,” he says. “But it’s such a healthy way to let loose. It’s intrinsic. I want to get 15-year-old kids dancing at a show.”

His early hesitations long since gone, Guidance Counselor’s best advice on getting funky at shows is also the ethos which has thus far helmed his creative pursuits: “It’s all about having the courage to fail.”

Guidance Counselor w/ Thunderquest and Syrup Dunes October 9, 10 p.m.21-plus Get Brave is available at Anthem and Mississippi Records