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Charles Matthews

I am a sound artist and creative technologist currently concerned with augmented instruments and software development for live performance and improved accessibility.  I like the idea that reconsidering access and inclusivity can have a profound effect on sound-based work.  I work with organisations like Drake Music and Hackoustic, and teach experimental sound art courses at City Lit.

Network (2016)
Network (Budapest, 2016)

As Ardisson I have recorded experimental dance music, acid, and somewhat more bizarre soundscapes since 1997 – including several 12″s on Seed Records.  I’ve also worked extensively with members of Southbank Gamelan Players on the Augmented Gamelan project, experimenting with modified acoustic instruments in networks of sound and light. This was the subject of my recent AHRC funded PhD research at Middlesex University.

Other recent collaborative works include making sound pieces out of hand-held vibrating torches, analysis of brainwaves under the influence of LSD, and the movement of single-celled freshwater creatures.

Demonstrating vibrating torches and light recorders at We Are Robots. Photo by Hackoustic.
Demonstrating vibrating torches and light recorders at We Are Robots 2017. Photo by Hackoustic.

 

Click the headings at the top of this page to explore!

Sonic Arts course: creativity with sound, City Lit, London 23/11/18

Recent events: (for booking enquiries please use this form):

Montreal Maker Faire at Milieux (Concordia University), Quebec 17/11/18
Creating an interactive sound installation in conversation with visitors.
Colourscape Music Festival, London 15/09/18
 Interactive installation with handheld devices that detect colour and convert them to sound.

 

Vactrols at Hackoustic Village (We Are Robots), London 31/10/17
 Interactive installation based on transferring light patterns to vibrations.

 

Solo set, New River Studios, London 17/05/17
Exploring a new setup involving capacitive sensing, springs, and a slowly shifting texture built in Max/MSP.
Workshop: gamelan + electronic sound and light, Exeter Street Hall, Brighton 21/01/17
A workshop presented by Lost Property Arts Collective.  Improvisation and group composition workshop using the Augmented Gamelan setup and a full Javanese gamelan – no prior experience required!Description on Facebook event / Buy tickets
Sonic Arts course: creativity with sound, City Lit, London 15/01/17

Recent events:

Algorave, Millenium Gallery, Sheffield 18/11/16
Algo-mechanical acid set including debut of the Augmented TB-303.

Taking it up a notch with the Augmented TB-303 made for @algomech / @algorave -all servos running, computer controlled.. pic.twitter.com/FB2wInUphT

— Ardisson (@ardisson) November 13, 2016

Augmented Gamelan set, New River Studios, London 02/11/16
Audio-visual chamber-style set – revisiting the material designed for the Brunel Museum as a trio.
Bleep 43, Brunel Museum, London 06/10/16
Audio-visual chamber-style set specially developed for the space of the Thames Tunnel Grand Entrance Hall.
Bela Bartok National Concert Hall, Budapest 10/10/16
A/V performance as Augmented Gamelan, as part of a concert programme with Plaid and Southbank Gamelan Players.

 

Hackoustic Festival 2016, Machines Room, London 23/07/16
Interactive installation featuring Pipilan and augmented gamelan instruments.
The Rest is Noise: Plaid and Southbank Gamelan Players, Muziekgebow, Amsterdam 25/03/16
Premieres of two new works: Network for Augmented Gamelan, and 3 Films in collaboration with Charlotte Pugh.
Musica Dispersa: Gravitational Time Dilation, New River Studios, London 25/03/16
Collaborative improvisation with Lutfi Othman
Musica Dispersa: Contemporary Electronics, I’klektic, London 05/02/16
Collaborative improvisation with Lutfi Othman
Hackoustic, London Hackspace, London 29/10/15
Demonstration and informal talk about Augmented Gamelan instruments and recent compositions.

 

Gamelan Composers Forum event at School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), London 24/10/15
Brief Transparencies: a new piece for small gamelan ensemble, electronically augmented instruments, light, and feedback processes. Based on ideas explored in this initial improvisation:

Moving with the Chimes at The Royal Festival Hall , London 06/09/15 3:30-4:30pm
Panel discussion about new music for gamelan, chaired by Gillian Moore and featuring Aris Daryono and Rolf Hind. I will talk a little bit about Pipilan, a new piece of software for composing with gamelan and electronics.

Gamelan Late and Live (David Byrne’s Meltdown) at The Royal Festival Hall Clore Ballroom, Southbank Centre, London 21/08/15 10pm-1am
Short Augmented Gamelan set as part of a larger performance with Southbank Gamelan PlayersLive performance including stretched out rendition of ceremonial pieces.