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transformations
electronic relics
soaked in revelation
vibration possesses the inner ear
the skull is saturated
In May 2023, I invited Riccardo LaForesta and Etienne Nillesen to participate in a collaborative project at the Norwegian Academy of Music. I have been inspired by LaForesta and Nillesen's work for a long time, as we share similar notions of technique, sound production, and artistic intent. Riccardo explores sustained pitches with the use of air-pressure between a cymbal and the membrane with his instrument, the Drummophone, while Etienne, using a thin drum stick against the surface of a granular drum skin, makes use of sustained pitches and harmonic layers. I hoped for us to bring our ideas together, which would create opportunities for new music as well as allow me a formative chance to contextualize my project within the field at large. Towards the end of my fellowship, LaForesta and Nillesen were able to join me for a day of presentations of our individual projects, an open group rehearsal, and a final concert at the Norwegian Academy of Music titled “Secrets of the Membrane.” That same weekend, we played our second concert at Vestafor, a festival in Rosendal, Norway.
Below, Etienne, Riccardo and I reflect on the project’s challenges and possibilities after the initial meeting. The conversation was filmed by Ingo J. Biermann at the Rosendal seaside. Transcriptions of the six conversations can be accessed here. At the bottom of this page, you can access footage of our performance in Orgelsalen at the Norwegian Academy of Music.
Part 1 - Duration 6:49
Transcript available here.
Part 2 - Duration 4:15
Transcript available here.
Part 3 - Duration 7:51
Transcript available here.