crackle synth (2020, ongoing)
In 2020 I started some research on electronic DIY instruments that behave in pseudochaotic ways and have experimental interfaces. I stumbled upon the Dutch composer Michel Waiszvisz and his „crackle boxes“ and the „crackle synth“. As the original schematics of the instrument are hard to find, I ended up building an approximation of the crackle synth that includes some personal additions leaving me unsure whether I should even call it „crackle synth“...
I really like the very musical behaviour of this touch-sensitive instrument and I am particularly fond of using it in improvised duo settings, in which the instrument itself contributes to the dramaturgy of the performance as a third entity.
I am currently in the process of releasing a network album titled “Hyperconnected and Happily Panicking”, featuring nine different ‘crackle conversations’ that will be out in June 2024 via Wide Ear Records.
with Violeta García (cello), Mariana Carvalho (voice, pot, water, hydrophone), Alex Riva (plastic soprano recorder, glass ball lamp), Mazen Kerbaj (crackle synth), Chris Pitsiokos (alto saxophone), Audrey Chen (voice, ciat-lonbarde ‚fourses‘), Beat Keller (feedbacker electric guitar), JD Zazie (turntables, cdjs), ‚Schrödinger or Boom Boom God‘ feat. Florian Kolb (askomandoura)
recorded in Berlin, Bern and Zürich between October 2022 and June 2023
mixed by Varoujan Chetirian | mastered and cut by Rashad Becker
cover artwork by Mazen Kerbaj | graphic design by Pablo Ulises Lienhard
live-set with Beat Keller in 2023:
https://youtu.be/S8BYSbpScJY?si=ZamLtVuvm3V7SIAj
Earlier duo with Alex Riva (sonification of a painting by Marta Masternak)
https://youtu.be/rHw8XzPiZ3k
foto credits: self portrait
In 2020 I started some research on electronic DIY instruments that behave in pseudochaotic ways and have experimental interfaces. I stumbled upon the Dutch composer Michel Waiszvisz and his „crackle boxes“ and the „crackle synth“. As the original schematics of the instrument are hard to find, I ended up building an approximation of the crackle synth that includes some personal additions leaving me unsure whether I should even call it „crackle synth“...
I really like the very musical behaviour of this touch-sensitive instrument and I am particularly fond of using it in improvised duo settings, in which the instrument itself contributes to the dramaturgy of the performance as a third entity.
I am currently in the process of releasing a network album titled “Hyperconnected and Happily Panicking”, featuring nine different ‘crackle conversations’ that will be out in June 2024 via Wide Ear Records.
with Violeta García (cello), Mariana Carvalho (voice, pot, water, hydrophone), Alex Riva (plastic soprano recorder, glass ball lamp), Mazen Kerbaj (crackle synth), Chris Pitsiokos (alto saxophone), Audrey Chen (voice, ciat-lonbarde ‚fourses‘), Beat Keller (feedbacker electric guitar), JD Zazie (turntables, cdjs), ‚Schrödinger or Boom Boom God‘ feat. Florian Kolb (askomandoura)
recorded in Berlin, Bern and Zürich between October 2022 and June 2023
mixed by Varoujan Chetirian | mastered and cut by Rashad Becker
cover artwork by Mazen Kerbaj | graphic design by Pablo Ulises Lienhard
live-set with Beat Keller in 2023:
https://youtu.be/S8BYSbpScJY?si=ZamLtVuvm3V7SIAj
Earlier duo with Alex Riva (sonification of a painting by Marta Masternak)
https://youtu.be/rHw8XzPiZ3k
foto credits: self portrait