"(1/3) Live performance during Test Tone 61: Intersecting Streams of Consciousness @ SuperDeluxe, Tokyo, Japan (Recorded September 14th, 2010)
—Notes from official program—
Zn'shñ (electronics) + À qui avec Gabriel (accordion) + Cal Lyall (hydrophone)
Specializing in electronics, French artists Zn'shñ (aka Franck Smith & Elvire Bastendorff) creates expansive soundscapes of the highest order. Under the Odiolorgnette imprint, Zn'shñ has produced albums and soundtracks steeped in minimalist sensibility, influenced by artists such as Ryoji Ikeda and butoh legend Hijikata Tatsumi.
[here] Zn'shñ's sound artistry meets with the sublime accordion playing of À qui avec Gabriel, a Tzadik recording artist with a string of successful collaborations under her belt — joined by improvising artist Cal Lyall, who creates watery ambiances using effected hydrophones (underwater microphones) submerged in strange and hypnotic water sources.
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Zn'shñ's electronic setup: - Biscuit (by Oto Machines) - 2x Sleepdrone 5 (by King Capitol) - Glamour Box (by King Capitol) - Kaossilator Pro (by Korg) - Restyler (by Sherman/Rodec) - Space Echo (Boss RE-20)
Discographic works by Zn'shñ: * Zn'shñ, "Butoh sweets" (July 2010) * Zn'shñ, "II" (September 2009) * Zn'shñ, "++" (April 2009)
Operating as a dual noise-manufacturing unit, specialized in electronics, Zn'shñ is designed for soundtrack production, live performances and audiovisual works. Created by Elvire Bastendorff & Franck Smith.
........................................ Zn'shñ, "Franck Smith", "Elvire Bastendorff", double electronic music, Sleepdrone, Odiolorgnette, Glamour Box, Kaossilator Pro, Korg, Sherman, Rodec, Restyler, Biscuit, Oto Machines, 8-bit, Analog Filters, king capitol, space echo, noise manufacturing, A Qui Avec Gabriel, Cal Lyall"
Zn'shñ + A Qui Avec Gabriel + Cal Lyall @ SuperDeluxe, Tokyo, Japan (2/3)
Zn'shñ + A Qui Avec Gabriel + Cal Lyall @ SuperDeluxe, Tokyo, Japan (3/3)
I'm about half way through arranging and programming the synthesizers and controllers so I can add this song to my live set. I'm making great progress so I thought I'd share a rehearsal video.
It's such an organic piece, I decided to play the entire song from Percussa AudioCubes using only spatial hand movement. Ableton Live is playing back the pulsing drone, but almost all other elements are being played live via the AudioCubes. The AudioCubes are in "sensor" mode so placing my hand in front of a cube face plays a note on a virtual synthesizer hosted out of Live - almost like a Laser harp.
I only use the Novation Launchpad to change which tracks are armed thereby allowing me to switch which synths I'm playing on-the-fly throughout the song.
At the 2:00 minute mark I start playing chords by using multiple faces simultaneously.
"The evening mist swirled around the trunks of the oaks as we walked out from their safety into the opening beside the cathedral. It was here that the robots ambushed the vampires. Phil was the first victim."
Note the custom keyboard with wood panel. Anyone ID it? Answer in the Update below.
KJX: Collins on the Banks of the Rutherford
FlametopFred | September 24, 2010
"Phil clambered out of his Ford pickup and stood on the banks of the Rutherford river. It was a nice spot."
Update via FlametopFred: "The controller is one I built and is called a "Mininordessey"
Controller started as an M-Audio e49 Radium. Which I then dismantled, cut-up and built a new wood case around.
If you google "Mininordessey" you can see the design and build photos. A salute to both the Minimoog (obviously) as well as the Arp Oddyssy. Nord Rack there on a hinged small rack.
Works like a charm!
My other primary MIDI controller is the Electone EL-40. Also works like a charm. 3 separate MIDI channels and MIDI sync for drum machines and so on. Very fun to play.
I am next working on a GX-1 style MIDI controller."