ERG

John and Michael in Caen Oct 96.

One instrument of John

One instrument of Michael

ERG is a new collaborative sound-work project grown from a dialogue between jgrzinich and mnortham. Our intention has been to investigate methods of uprooting and utilizing an inclusive range of sound phenomena. Our work is based on sounds elements collected from diverse materials, field recordings and assembled devices that are brought together to built installed presentations and form intuitive compositions. Our devices and found objects are chosen for the expressed purpose of extracting intrinsic resonate, timbral and micro-acoustic qualities from the physical structure of the material used. In addition we have been using various wire and string constructions (including prepared "traditional" devices) to make frequency "beds" that augment and initiate incidental resonance among the other objects being used. This work also extends into recording natural sound phenomena, as well as experimenting with on-site location performance using existing materials and natural sound intrusion. With our recorded work we are striving to re-examine accepted temporal constructs and to exercise fully the capabilities of human auditory perception. John grzinich is active constructing his own instruments and researching new approaches of working with traditional instruments. His discoveries become building blocks for extended minimal improvisations. He has been involved with collaborative and solo work, and is currently also performing with an improv electro-acoustic group called alial straa. Michael Northam has been working with various sound art projects in the last six years. He is currently concentrating on collective field recordings and constructing sound installations, devices and long wire erratic tonal assemblages. He is using the these sound sources for developing intuitive compositions based on incidental tunings and naturally occuring timbre. His current projects include : Orogenetics (an electro-acoustic musiccs collective, label and conceptual umbrella), Acoustic-Geologic Survey (a collection of geographiclly site specific acoustic documents), MNORTHAM (solo sound project)and erg email : northam@desk.nl http://desk.nl/~northam/oro/