The harmony of rhythm
Hi all!
I'm writing with a few updates I'm excited about, and that I hope you'll find interesting as well.
New album this winter
I'm really proud of what I feel I've accomplished with my new album "The Harmony of Rhythm," which will be coming out this winter. On the artistic side this is a big step forward in representing the social concepts in my music. At the core of this album is the idea that everyone has their own personal rhythm, and these various human rhythms interlock to create the groove of life (which plays out in music and interpersonal relationships). I do think this record offers a sound of coexistance.
On the more technical side I think it also exposes how I hear music. Whereas we're typically taught to structure music based on when chords and melodies happen and fit rhythms into those measurements of time, the twists and turns in the material on this record are dictated by rhythmic gestures--some subtle and some not-so-subtle. There are melodies and chords played by your typical melodic and chordal instruments, but the drum melodies and the rhythmic way in wich all the instruments interact with one another drive the narrative.
The music comes from solo material I recorded myself, a studio session, and a live concert at UIC, all recorded around this time last year. At the time I didn't realize I was making a record, so it's been cool listening back and hearing all these puzzle pieces snap into place.
I'm planning to release the full project sometime between late January and early February.
Winter clearance event next Saturday the 16th
My annual Winter Clearance Event returns next Saturday December 16th. We'll be at the Agitator Gallery (3851 W Fullerton) from 7-10. There'll be performances by Calculated Discomfort and friends and an actual art market produced by the Agitator. There'll probably be beer for a suggested donation and some light refreshments as well. Let's celebrate, or at least enjoy space while reflecting on another year in the books.
Save the date - Jan. 20 at the Museum of Contemporary Art
As a direct offshoot of the Harmony of Rhythm, which was developed why I was completing an artist residency with Bodies of Work, I'll be presenting a sound activation at the MCA on Saturday January 20th. What is a sound activation? Good question--in this case it's going to be a journey through three galleries, each of which will have live performers spinning up sound worlds. Rather than responding to the artwork, we'll be augmenting it by offering sounds that ellaborate on the art's emotional impact. Rather than touring the galleries, you'll be traveling through three distinct micro worlds temporarily lifted from the past into the present, and we'll be finishing off with something very futuristic.
The event is technically free, but museum admission is required. We are working on making some free passes available.
You can learn more about it here.
Hope to catch you soon,
Tommy