As an offsite component of the Ulster University MFA Show 2016, I performed a series of 45 minute electronic drum and loop station performances alongside a sculptural installation. These took place in the downstairs hall of Redeemer Central Church, an atmospheric and austere space close to the Art School.
I made black sheet screens for the windows to subdue the light. The space was divided by a large black curtain. Drum sounds were played, looped and layered and relayed through a Marshall amplifier.
The black sculpture was a significant presence in the room, intensified by successive layers of drumming.
Any chance you could post a recording of the drums?
Hi Anthea, yes I made a short video trailer of the piece which I’ll post up soon 🙂
Sounds like a very interesting performance. Was the looping and layering all done in real time or did you bring a pre recorded performance to contribute to the sound sculpture? Not sure if that is the correct term for your performance but I can imagine the drums building up into a very powerful body of sound.
Thanks very much, yes I think the performance and installation were the best integration of sound and visuals I’ve made, and the most ambitious project I’ve undertaken.
Nothing was pre-recorded, each performance was made following a ‘recipe score’ set of rules which prescribed what sounds to play using the electronic drums and for how long, these passages became looped and layered. I was careful to draw scores that gave the right amount of instruction so that performances were different each time.
What was consistent was the gradual layering of loops building to a dense accumulation of sound. Some people mentioned a meditative, disorienting or hypnotic effect achieved through this layering.
Sounds so wonderful. I wish I had been there!