Composing with Speaker Synth
I have been experimenting with how to create a formal composition for Speaker Synth. First step is fully understanding my instrument. I will never have complete control over the speaker feedback system, due to the nature of feedback, but I can anticipate the range of sounds from each speaker based on the volume and positioning of the piezos. Given this relative amount of tonal control, most of my formal compositional work deals mostly with time based organizing.
I am planning a 10/15 min piece. The following certain movements I like:
A) Introduction to speaker synth. Each speaker will be prepared one at a time to achieve the desired tonal effect.
B) Introduction to the singers. Each singer will prepare their voice one at a time to find their desired frequency.
C) When the singers are all singing in full effect I will signal to them to sing a preplanned arrangement (ie, in unison following my lead drop half step for 5 count then back up, repeat 4x, hold on half step).
D) While the singers and speakers are on hold, I record a sample of each voice allowing each to gradually enter the sonic space
E) In unison, I stop the singers and speakers and start the sequencing of the samples I gathered.
F) One speaker solos over the sequenced samples.
G) One singer solos over the sequenced samples.
H) One by one, the singers and speakers enter as a group over the sequenced samples creating a full experience of all sounds pulsing and harmonizing.
I) In unison, I fade out the samples except one. fade out the speakers except one. fade out the singers except one.
F) All stop.
To figure out what I want to do, I have been recording at home. Here is a rough example of 3 singers (all me) with the instrumentation: 3 Voices for 5 Speakers.mp3
On November 27th, I am meeting with potential singers. I am hoping to have either 3 or 5 singers.
On December 3rd, I will be performing with Speaker Synth again at Monkey Town. Here I will test out using a camera to project what I am doing with the speakers, as well as test out different compositional ideas. I may have one singer join me. I will video tape the performance so I can review after.