Having spent a while developing my musical self as Glatze, it’s now the turn of Mr.Underwood. Expect something a bit different from my “jump up” Glatze sets. Mr.Underwood is a more considered musician, with a more subtle approach.
I’m pleased to say that he gets his first public outing in support of the fabulous Emeralds at The Hare and Hounds on the 22nd May 2011. More info here. Do come along!
With my workshop and midi-octopus performance at the British Science Festival complete I thought I’d update you on what’s next >> Supersonic!
Yep, it’s official, Supersonic 2010 will see me rushing around like a fookin mad man!
Saturday kicks off with me doing Big Sounds for Little People at the mac. Then I will be rushing over to VIVID to run a workshop to build Supersonic Noise Boxes on the Saturday afternoon. Then a brief rest before playing tuba in a gimp mask on the Saturday evening as part of the Lash Frenzy Big Band (with KK NULL). Finally, on the Sunday I will be performing a specially adapted version of Steve Reich’s Pendulum Music, for four Supersonic Noise Boxes and four torches.
That is a pretty full-on schedule and one I am very proud to have been asked to deliver! Nietzsche would agree that if it doesn’t kill me it will certainly be very cool ;)
Thanks to Andrew Moscardo-Parker for offering me a part in the Lash Frenzy Big Band, Richard Hawley and his friend who owns a tuba for sorting me out with that, and of course Capsule for allowing me to do all this wicked stuff.
Before all this kicks off though, I am going on HOLIDAY!! See you on the other side.
I went to see the Modified Toy Orchestra on Wednesday night at the Town Hall, Birmingham. I felt compelled to write a few words.
Despite my interest in circuit bending and electronic music I had only heard of the Modified Toy Orchestra prior to my time in Brum. My interest was sparked further when it became clear that they attract nothing short of hero status in Birmingham, so I dug a bit deeper. Everything I read and heard built my interest, although I must confess to initially, slightly jealously, pondering what the big deal was. It was just a bit of circuit bending, right? WRONG!
The Modified Toy Orchestra does two things very well. Firstly, they take circuit bent instruments and toys and make great live music with them. That’s not easy. Making interesting noises is one thing, using them in tunes in the studio another but creating fully fledged compositions and an immersive live show is something far above and beyond that. Secondly, they do FUN. I was like a child; reminded of the time my grandparents took me to a Shakin’ Stevens gig in Leicester, where I nearly broke the seat. OK, I wasn’t jumping up and down this time, well, I was on the inside! Personally, I think fun is underrated in music / art. I try to add a big dollop of fun into most of the stuff I do. Glatze especially has a balls-out, fun-at-all-costs mentality, which I know isn’t everyone’s cuppa. I would warn anyone who doesn’t like having fun to avoid the Modified Toy Orchestra.
Ooh, I just thought of one last thing, Brian Duffy has a charming stage presence which shines throughout their performances! Big up Brian, the Modified Toy Orchestra and Capsule for finally bringing them home.