The first all electronic steel pan album ever created. Integrating the sounds of electroacoustic, ambient and beat-oriented works, fans of experimental music and modern steel pan music must hear this disc. You won't believe your ears.

12 MP3 Songs
ELECTRONIC: Experimental, ELECTRONIC: Industrial



Details:
Featuring Christopher Ariza, Cory Allen, Mike Vernusky, Thomas Dempster, Paul Russell, Paula Matthusen, Daniel Blinkhorn, Alfredo Barros, Peter Swendsen, Yoshio Machida, Damian O'Riain and Mr. Glitch.

"Since its humble beginnings on the streets of Trinidad, the steel pan has risen to international attention as one of the most unique and versatile percussion instruments the world. As one of a few acoustic instruments invented in the 20th century, the pan possesses a rich, somber, and oftentimes haunting sonority that can enchant new listeners. The steel pan, also referred to as a steel drum, can be heard in Calypso music, pop songs, concert works and most recently-- electronic music.

Each composer on this album has been invited to participate on this project for their distinct musical voice. Coming together from various points on the globe, these emerging artists were selected from different fields of music composition, performance, research and pedagogy. A common thread through each of these varied works is the live recordings of performer Darren Dyke, playing an instrument built by the father of the modern steel drum, Ellie Mannette. In addition to playing the source material for this album, Darren is also craftsman and tuner of steel drums who apprenticed under Dr. Mannette. The sounds of Darren forging an instrument in his workshop were also provided to the composers. With these materials, sounds were processed and manipulated using computer technology to create an entirely new face for the steel pan as we know it.

This disc covers a wide array of styles in electronically derived music. Some are beat-oriented and melodic, others more ambient, electroacoustic or acousmatic in their sound. Several of the composers chose to incorporate altogether different instruments to enhance the timbre of the drum, while other pieces spotlight the beautiful and intimate sound of the pan by itself. Please see below for a listing of the composers on the album.

As we begin a new musical era in the 21st century, we will witness technology playing a more integral role in composition and performance. In the spirit of those very first Trinidadian explorers who made use of any available materials to create music, this disc is a collective of similar minds in search of the same goal - seeking new ways to create music from the objects and tools in our everyday world.

mike vernusky, curator