photo: Alyssa JoyeStrange Attractor vs Disinformation perform a rousing round of Circuit Blasting here:
Friday, April 13th, 8:30 pm.
An evening of Live Electronics and Improvisation at the Flea Pit, 49 Columbia Rd, London E2. Donations accepted at the door.
Featuring: “Circuit Blasting” by Strange Attractor vs Disinformation
and in duet: Prof_lofi and Mark Wastell with live video improvisation by Jack Keenan
“Circuit Blasting” Strange Attractor vs Disinformation
As a primitive form of generative composition, “Circuit Blasting” involves setting up an electromagnetic field in close proximity to the keyboard, to sufficient voltage to induce currents in the circuits that trigger notes, percussion and musical patterns. Electrical overdosing produces startling, unrestrained sonic outbursts – “epileptronica”. Like a round of electroshock therapy, or seizures in the brain, surges of high voltage electricity free the components within the instruments from the restraints of function. No longer a “keyboard” or “drum machine”, these are the joyous sounds of pure circuitry unbound.
prof_lofi (live electronics, circuit bent toys, misc):
Bill Thompson (aka prof_lofi) has been setting fire (literally) to the boundaries between music and sound art for several years in the US, UK, and abroad. Whether burning a harpsichord, hacking electronics, beating his guitar, or recording buildings in the howling wind, he is constantly exploring the edges of sonic experience. Called one of the best new talents of 2006, his latest release on State Sanctioned Records has received numerous positive reviews, including one critic who said “it probably shouldn’t be played in public. Ever.” Thompson was awarded a PRS Atom Award to support his 2007 tour of the UK.
Mark Wastell (tam tam, electronics)
Much of Mark Wastell’s relationship with his chosen instrument is concentrated on the tactile, textural and sonic possibilities of both violoncello and bow. He is increasingly interested in working with extreme elements drawn from frequency, timbre and pitch. His early activity was consciously and subconsciously influenced by a variety of improvising musicians. Subsequent exposure to contemporary composers lead to a greater understanding and appreciation of the works written for strings by Feldman, Cage, Nono, Lachenmann and Sciarrino. The use of live electronics and music concrete by Tudor, Parmegiani, Xenakis and others was another important early influence. In more recent times, Mark has also begun to explore sound material outside of the cello, working with contact mics, amplified textures and electronics. Mark’s current instrumental material primarily focuses on using abstract principles of space, time and texture – encompassing elements of new London silence, pro-acoustic minimalism, new complexity and pan-global reductionism. Because of the very nature of his chosen instrument, he tends to favour chamber
style ensembles and has worked with a number of regular groups.
Jack Keenan (live video improvisation)
Jack has been involved in a wide range of new media art projects over the past 3 years working
collaboratively with a broad range of artists and organizations including the National Theatre Scotland, Threshold and many more. His most recent work with Bill Thompson involves live video and hacked electronics exploring the relationship and feedback between technology and society.