At present hiQloKey is an ensemble that is completely unique in Canada: a computer-music based group which performs exclusively improvisational electronic-oriented ambient jazz. The artistic precedent of hiQloKey has thus evolved according to the improvisational creative method: to develop and legitimize the computer as a musical instrument; to develop a hybrid sound between the slow evolution and 'sound-scape' style of traditional electroacoustic music and the versatility and dynamism of jazz.
hiQloKey consists of members Jason Sharp, Michael Murray, Owen Meyers and Alex Dray. Each a capable player of more conventional western instruments (Saxophone, Trumpet, Piano, Clarinet respectively), they have also recognized the untapped and quite limitless musical power and range that modern computing allows. Conventional wisdom shows us that instruments such as woodwinds or strings take years of dedicated study before a semblance of control over the instrument begins to manifest. However, 'computer' instruments do not generally command the same established respect. This is due in no small part to the abstract idea of 'computer music' and the concept of the computer as an instrument. Firstly, for conventional classical instruments, there exists a long and well-tested methodology of instruction and a general (if interpretable) understanding of the role such instruments can play in the musical world. A computer, however, can be custom designed to the musician's wishes; it can serve a huge range of musical roles according to the manipulation by the musician. Such is the case in hiQloKey.
Each member has spent many years creating a library of applications that vary from the synthesis, sampling to the processing of music. Normally these functions occur after the fact, i.e. once a musical performance has been made and recorded. However hiQloKey has taken on the challenge of applying these possibilities in a real-time performance environment. For example, previous work and performances have consisted of the concurrent creation of rhythms sequenced from basic individual samples; the creation of instrumental sounds from their fundamental oscillator components (in such applications as PD and MAX/MSP); the recording, sampling and processing of acoustic instruments and conventional synthesizers. In this way each performance creates a set of unique textures, rhythms, instrumental timbres and forms. hiQloKey has become extremely adept at developing control over a weave of complicated musical tasks: each member simultaneously taking on the roll of performer, engineer, producer and arranger. Our goal is to demonstrate that computers and their use is not relegated to post or pre-production work, or the need to pre-program sounds and 'beats' in order that they may serve as nothing more that a glorified playback device during performance. Instead, we mean to prove the relevance of the computer as a worthy and respectable instrument in and of itself. This is the next logical development in the Canadian New Music scene.
Hey this message is for Jason. If you do some more live stuff with "Mobius", or if you finally record something with the band please tell me about it. Me and my friend really liked that show and they would also like to hear again from that band.
