Neanderthal Electronics
Neanderthal Electronics workshop, Tartu Estonia from macumbista.
More than 40,000 years ago, our Neanderthal predecessors invented the first music instruments from simple objects around them (bones and stones, sticks and skins…), without reference to any existing music history, and primarily for their own pleasure rather than that of others.
Nowadays, we use complex audio hardware and software which make it “easier” to make music, so long as we channel our creativity into such socially acceptable avenues as Western Classical or Minimal Techno. As with any established genre, the results are often completely predictable, and therefore quite boring.
But some of us, deep in our wild hearts, still long for the Stone Age simplicity of pure noise!
This 5 day workshop is designed for 8-10 people, possibly with a background in sound, but with no previous electronics experience. They are shown how to use simple objects from our modern environment (resistors, capacitors, transistors, LEDs, integrated circuit chips…) to design and build their own personal, customized primitive noise synthesizers. Each is a tiny world of its own, using primitive analog computers in combination with feedback, sensors and audio inputs to create a unique sound. Even from the same plan, no two are alike!
Participants are encouraged to use found materials for the construction of their personal instrument, with an emphasis on discovering creative and physical methods of controlling the them. The workshop concludes with a group performance and an invitation to the audience to experiment with each of the instruments which have been created.
Copenhagen Noise Workshop from macumbista.
PARTICIPANT VIDEOS
Neanderthal Electronics: Kajonimba (Electric Cajon Kalimba) by wihle
Nizo Super 8 Analogue Noise Machine from Matt Kemp.
PAST + UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
2012
22-26 Oct: Det Jyske Kunstakademie, Aarhus DK
29 Oct – 02 Nov: Nordic Sound Art Masters, Copenhagen DK
05-09 Nov: Sibelius Academy, Helsinki FI
2011
23-27 Feb: NK Projekt, Berlin DE
23-28 Oct: Danish Institute for Electronic Music, Aarhus DK
2010
13-15 March: Ptarmigan/Pixelache, Helsinki FI
12-14 June: Hochschule für Gestaltung, Offenbach DE
2009
02-06 Feb: Royal Art Academy, Copenhagen DK
10-14 Feb: Tartu Art Week, Tartu EE
20-24 Apr: Queen St. Studios, Belfast UK
04-09 May: eNKa, Berlin DE
25-29 May: Piksel/Ny Musikk/Lydgalleriet, Bergen NO
01-05 Jun: WORM, Rotterdam NL
18 July: Pickled Feet, Berlin DE
10-16 Aug: Tesla/Haus der Kulturen der Welt, Berlin DE
17-22 Aug: AVAMAA, Moks, Mooste EE
Neanderthal Electronics Belfast by dodgy stereo
EELI PÖRISTÄÄ by Markus Heino, Helsinki
