Cheaper Impressions

from Stutter to stammer by Zazie Productions

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Starting with Erik Satie’s Gymnoèdie No. 1 and using Musique Concrète techniques, I will create an as yet untitled work that honors "Cheap Imitation," John Cage's homage to Satie.

The work will begin by introducing Satie's melody. Layering technology on top of technology, I will use a keyboard-controlled virtual sampler on my phone to replay the original audio source of me playing the piece. I will then use an algorithm to transpose that recording to randomized speeds, slowing the tempo and likewise simulating tape recording technology and other "real sounds." I've produced the piece with multiple arrangements, and with different phrasings.

Drawing from Cage's concept of indeterminacy, I will layer each of these upon the other into one broad sound collage to yield something more than the individual compositions. This will be followed up with samples of homemade instruments made of rubber-bands and subtle strings. I will then rework the end of the Satie piece into a percussive pattern. This pattern will be subdivided to form micro-rhythms and glitches. Highlighting the sound of a high pitched whistle (or flute?), I will continue to layer sounds into an increasingly intricate sound collage. The work will culminate in some of the components of Satie's original composition played on thumb piano

This piece was selected by Black Mountain College and AshevilleFM + Make Noise for a series of innovative works for the radio inspired by the experimentation of BMC artists.

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from Stutter to stammer, released November 29, 2019

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Zazie Productions Asheville, North Carolina

Zazie Productions is an Asheville-based experimental producer, multi-instrumentalist, graphic artist, avant garde composer, and prolific independent playlist curator who has been featured on The Typescript magazine.
In 2021, they were commissioned by Black Mountain College to make an innovative work of sound art based upon the legacy and experimental spirit of the college. ... more

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