Artists Jesse Blumenthal and Michael Musick will curate FreeSessions through the sculptural manipulation of audible waves. Both Artists’ research explores the feedback loop from the conceptual perspective of the “Sonic Ecosystem”. Michael will control his code-processed feedback loop works as a counter-part to the analog installations created by Jesse. Sculptural installations of speakers, mixers, and microphones will be played as instruments for the demonstrative portion. A 55 speaker array of acoustic sound cannons (tubes tuned to the free air resonance of the speaker) will hang suspended at the back of the stage as the stereo highs. An acoustic canon with a long throw sub will carry the lows.
Participants will be asked to meditate on the word “noise” during their improvisation. The Artists encourage the use of alternative methods for creating sound by translating instruments through guitar pedals, contact microphones, and other methods. Piezo wired vibrational instruments and guitar pedals, as well as a large board, will be provided for participants to engage with instead of, or as a compliment to, their traditional instrument. Participants are also encouraged to bring their own handmade instruments and alternative noise makers. The hope is we will explore dissonance as well as harmony; abstraction as well as rhythm; noise as well as silence.
Note from the organizers: Each Freesession, the curator chooses a Black organization to highlight in recognition of the profound, essential, fundamental influence of Black music in our music world and the systemic racism that we face as a country. This month the curators have chosen Rebuild Foundation run by Theaster Gates. Lakebottom Sound will be donating 20% of our proceeds this month to Rebuild Foundation, and we encourage our community to donate as well.