Live improvisation at Moving East CI jam

Having developed an interest in dance (contact improvisation and butoh), I was asked to play an improvised set at Moving East. Following the workshop there is a 4-hour period where dancers can explore themes from the workshop and their own ideas, often accompanied by live music.

I recorded the second of these live improvisations. I used an electric guitar with effects and loops, along with various homemade percussions, an SM57, and a metal salad bowl with contact microphone attached.

These are edited tracks from the session. Enjoy, and if you feel compelled to dance around your living room please feel free…..

Etta Ermini Dance Theatre ~ Fixed Wheel

I was commissioned to compose music and create sound design for a piece of physical dance theatre by Etta Ermini.

After initial discussions about the concept I made the decision to use only sounds recorded from bicycle parts. The chainwheel, forks, frames, wheels, brake levers and spokes became percussion, bells, gongs and were struck or bowed to create a library of samples and loops for placing into Sony Acid. You can listen to the individual cues here

Fixed Wheel is a 30 minute Physical Theatre piece for two male performers and a bicycle. It depicts the joys and pitfalls of the life and love of a geeky bike freak and his alter ego. The movement material is explosive and, at times, quirky. Dialogues are witty and acerbic. The acrobatic use of the prop, a bright blue BMX bicycle, heightens the tense atmosphere. This playful look at loss and longing aims to connect to the personal experiences of the audience. Be safe, wear a helmet!

Reviews: ‘Fixed Wheel’ is an exhilarating piece, with a wonderful mix of Ballet, Boyz and Bikes! Fast-paced, playful and touching, it proved a decided crowd-pleaser to dance-fans, theatre-goers and new audiences alike. Recommended!
Jasmine Cullingford, The Blue Elephant Theatre
Length: 30 minutes
Choreography: Etta Ermini
Performers: Ian Garside, Luis Frontana
Sound Design: Yan White

Performances:

•   Fixed Wheel 2009: Sogni VZW Festival, Ghent, Belguim in May
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Big Dance, Scoop, London (7th of  July)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Cloud Dance Festival, London (6th of July)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: Atelier Festival, Baia Mare, Romania (16th of June)
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: The Blue Elephant Theatre in April
•   Fixed Wheel 2008: as part of Artscene festival in Ghent, Belgium in April