The event will be hosted in the Sonic Lab at SARC, making use of the 48-channel loudspeaker system and variable acoustics of the space.

Doors @ 19:00 - program will start shortly after !

Free Entrance (limited capacity)

There will be some complimentary drinks following the event, from 20:30 in the SARC foyer, and we will be heading to a local pub afterwards—everyone is welcome !

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John Wall (EN) - computer

Born 1950.

Started composing 1990 and still going.

Played and collaborated with some good people.

There is no promotional visual youtube material.

https://johnwall.bandcamp.com/

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Louise Le Du (FR) - Buchla Music Easel synthesiser

Musician captivated by chaotic, untamable sound patterns. Her work follows a strong desire for poetry, intrigued by its ability to open spaces where the imaginary invades the real, subtly changing our modes of expression and ways to experience the world. Through performances and compositions with her Buchla Music Easel and her field recording practice, she pays particular attention to sonic environments which are not easily accessed by humans - especially at the microscopic scale - using technology as a tool to feed the imagination with natural phenomena.

https://soundcloud.com/louise-18

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Michael Speers (NI) - physically modelled & acoustic percussion

(b.1992) A musician, composer and researcher from Northern Ireland, who has presented work internationally. Working with natural & synthetic sound material—using drums, computer, microphones and feedback towards live performance, installation and non-linear composition. Currently focused on the actual and notional representation of the ground drum. Collaborations include John Wall, Luciano Maggiore, Louise Le Du and Paul Abbott (as yPLO).

Recordings published by Anòmia, Takuroku, Wasted Capital Since 2013 and C.A.N.V.A.S.

https://michaelspeers.net/

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Note from the organiser:

I'm delighted to present this program, including 2 of my favourite artists with whom I have been actively collaborating in recent years. This event follows a concert at Cafe OTO, London in April 2022 in which we all shared the same bill.

Last year's concert marked the release of Ground Drum - an album that explores the concept of a physically impossible drum in various imaginary environments, realised using non-linear synthesis and processed field recordings. This speculative drum has since become the central focus of my practice, informing my approach to composition and performance both timbrally and structurally—I imagine that this drum is in a sensitive dialogue with the environment that it occupies, and responds to the complex, unpredictable sensibilities of natural phenomena. Since December 2022, I have studied a number of physical modelling synthesis techniques (including a string and plate model developed by SARC's own Maarten Van Walstijn) with this concept in mind. I have produced a composition using entirely synthetic sound, derived from these physical models and other non-linear (acoustic-sounding) synthesis techniques. My solo performance will involve a presentation of this new material on the Sonic Lab's 48-channel loudspeaker array.

I have invited John and Louise to perform as they share similar interests in complex, non-linear structures and a passion for visceral sounds. To me, they both demonstrate a profound, sensitive and ultimately open relationship to sound—i'm consistently blown away by their live performances and compositions. Very excited to perform as a trio for the first time at this event.

I hope you'll enjoy the experience and I look forward to chatting with everyone after over some nice drinks !

Enormous THANKS to Paul Stapleton, who made this all possible.

- Michael

~ event image by Louise Le Du, taken on Funachree coast, Co. Galway 

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This event is supported by the National Lottery through the Arts Council of Northern Ireland.