Depatterning
electricity . childhood . farming . canadaThe Blasted Heath Available Now
An interpretation of the H.P. Lovecraft story “The Colour Out of Space” as part of the Wist Rec “Book Report Series“.
Despite its horrifying mood, for some reason I’ve been more interested in the wonky science that the tale puts forth.
Recent soundtrack work
Despite the set back of having my communication center stolen recently, I’m still frantically working on sounds for Christian Tizya’s documentary on the Wendigo legend. The Wendigo is a mythological creature in Algonquian folklore that could possess humans and give them cannibalistic and murderous cravings.
The director:
“In this documentary, through recreations and interviews with historians, criminologists and native elders we’ll explore the current events within Western Canada and how they compare to the Windigo incidents of the late 1800’s. We will look into the unexplained condition of those days and into explanations of modern times as to why western Canada is still haunted by the phenomenon of ‘Windigo’.”
The full trailer can be viewed here at Watson Street Films.
I’ve also had the privilege to contribute to Elysia Bourne’s short film “The Elevator at Parkbeg.” Grain elevators were once the focal point of rural communities around Canada’s prairies. However, the few that are left are in danger of being pulled down. The film examines the role that grain elevators have played, not only on the physical landscape but also the personal effect they’ve had over folk. Here are some stills from the film:
Finland isn’t far from Canada or Ireland
Several month ago I responded to a call out for a unique collaboration with Finnish artist(s) Kemialliset Ystävät. The idea was to create cover versions of the three most popular Finnish songs (schlager), mined from a multitude of musician submissions.
After tracking down a comprehensive notation for the song “Hopeinen kuu” by Olavi Virta, I went about my usual long-winded manner of creating various pseudo-chords with the m-Log and stomping around outside in mushy leaves. The results from the KY International Big Band can be heard somewhere within the bewildering track below:
In other news, Fonal Records has released TUUSANUUSKAT: NÄÄKSÄÄ NÄÄ MUN KYYNELEET (phew, umlauts anyone?), a collaboration between Kemialliset Ystävät with label head Es.
The Huddled Tone EP . Available to Order
The Huddled Town Ep
The Huddled Tone EP
Click to view
Click to purchase
Youcube Chordwood and Wist Rec 003
Turn down your volume and click on the icon above to access the Chordwood mixer via the Youcube website. Created by digital designer Aaron Meyers (also responsible for Flying Lotus’ wonderful augmented reality app “Fieldlines”), Youcube allows you take existing Youtube clips and manipulate them as a mixer… but in cube form.
If any sides of the cube are silent, allow for loading time. Also, if the cube looks blank try another browser.
In other news, the third Depatterning release, “The Huddled Tone Ep” will be released later this month on the Wist Rec label. The packaging will again be designed by Liechtenstein artist Manfred Naescher and will be in double 3″ cd format.
Check back soon.
Searching for Wist Rec 003… or 004
An analysis:
Rural depopulation due to war.
Rail line and grain elevator closures.
Worthless crop prices.
Mines close.
Farm consolidation.
Land becomes fallow.
Towns become vacant.
