What is the Deuce Project?

The Deuce Project is a program that has been running on 89.1fm in Kalamazoo for about 10 years. We play music that contains references to sci-fi, science, mathematics, or anything in that vein. The songs' connection can be via the lyrics, band name, song name, album name, or sometimes just the general aesthetic of the song. Please enjoy. [Banner Image: 1947 by Aurorabomb]

Thursday, January 29, 2009

Felix's Machines: Automated Music

Felix Thorn creates automatons that make beautiful music. Check out these videos/links:





From: http://www.gasworks.org.uk/exhibitions/detail.php?id=403

Felix’s Machines are a series of extraordinary mechanical instruments put together by the artist and musician Felix Thorn in his South London bedroom. The project, which began in 2006, is continuously evolving and will do so throughout and after its time at Gasworks. During the exhibition, musicians and producers will respond to Felix’s Machines in a series of events exploring its musical potential.

When connected to a computer, Felix’s Machines translate Thorn’s compositions into mechanical actions performed by customised drums and piano parts and animated by solenoids, springs and motors. In this way, an electronic means of production is transposed into an acoustic output. Each element of the machine has its own light emitting diode (LED). In the darkened space of the gallery, this creates an arrangement of coloured projections illuminating the sound source and synchronised with the music.

Felix’s Machines developed from the artist’s desire to have his compositions played without a performer. As such Thorn looks to focus the listeners’ experience onto the visual representation of the music’s structure: combining sound, visual motion and flicker into an experience that stimulates and intensifies perception.







The Gasworks interview with Felix: http://www.gasworks.org.uk/content/detail.php?id=418

A bit of detail/interview with Felix Thorn: http://nedbeauman.googlepages.com/interviewwithfelixthorn

Felix's Artslant profile:
http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/43727-felix-thorn

Monday, January 19, 2009

New podcasts are on their way...

Sorry for the lack of updates. Things have been crazy on Deuce Project Station. But never fear, a new year means new Deuce Projects. We have three nearly ready, we just need to do a bit of tweaking due to a couple of technical mishaps that occurred in recording. The first of these should be up sometime this week. Stay tuned...