Obscure Objects Ensemble is a long-term research
project of mine, the goal of which is to create a new
space and way of working towards an in-depth, more
open and universal way of approaching and understanding
sound, noise, music and all the different aspects of
institutionalisation, distribution an accessibility of said
phenomenons. It is a space for endless experimentation,
acceptable of any result and open for any expectation.
All the works of the Obscure Objects Ensemble share
one aspect, namely they are distributed first and foremost
via the contemporary streaming services for music, such as
SPOTIFY. The form of later distribution, public performing,
physical release or any other manifestation of their later
lives is dependant on each work and its circumstances.
Empty Spaces is a performative experiment that has
taken place in an abandoned attic of a space inside one
of the buildings standing in the centre of The Hague.
A part of the city usually crowded with people, but at
the time of the recording almost entirely deserted due
to the current circumstances.
The choice of the space was just an excuse for experimentation with the
musical qualities of a deserted, residential space. The only qualities of
the space which were essential to me were that it was unoccupied by
humans, not only temporarily but for a longer period of time, and that
it was empty in a sense that it lacked any conventional furniture, tools,
objects or instruments which on their own hold their own potential and
value for sound.
The process consisted of choosing a location with enough space, yet which
is unoccupied and lacking in any objects or instruments of any utilitarian
value. The next step was placing a set of various microphones inside the
space so that they could capture any interaction with the room itself.
Lastly, I begun a meditative experimentation, where I was slowly explored
the qualities, sounds and ways of activating the space as to make it sing.
Each new discovery of a new possibility led me to another, and what came
out of this performance is a collection of sounds and noises shifting from one
point of interest to another after having spent enough time to get familiar with
them.
I tried to not spend too much time on one specific area as to not get too
comfortable with it. The most interesting part was the exploration of
possibilities this one, static room provided without any adjustments or
augumentation. The sound is pure, in that it comes from a concrete,
untouched
source.
The outcome of this experiment can, as per usual, be experienced online via
Spotify, where other recordings from the same project can be found.
Documentation, description and explaination of other projects from the
esnemble can be found on my website.
Here are some other examples:
