Some footage from our first performances using the Log1k version one - responsible for the destruction of a few speakers before we removed the mains AC powerd components..
Starting with the Ritz, FLUX party in Manchester, and Chorlton arts festival - in the woods where we first found the original timber for the device...
' The all-new Log1k is here. And it's unlike anything you've seen or experienced. With a brilliant flat-panel display and phenomenal performance, Log1k® is the first computer built from the ground up to be the ultimate hub for the owl project lifestyle. Its time to log on...'
The Log1k was designed and constructed by the Owl Project. They have been using the Log1k to perform their own brand of electronica, which combines electro-magnetic fields and signals to produce complex beats and ambient sound.
' Down-to-earth ease of use. Out-of-this-world performance and looks. Log1k is great in the home or the forest. '
The log1k was originally designed and constructed as a complete alternative to using laptops during live audio performances. However as time has moved by so has the need for compatibility and perfect speed control.
At the heart of each log1k lies a micro controlled step motor. This allows many log1ks to run in sync with each other, as well as other software packages and Owl Projects own Soundlathe. log1k also comes fitted with a series of micro and reed switches which trigger samples and control audio circuits.
Influences
lee paterson, ryoji ikeda, mike abbott, yellow magic orchestra, krafwerk, woodland traditions, nocturnal creatures and other feathered beasts, carsten nicolai, shrews, shrews on strings, pan sonic, fennesz, animal collective, matt wand, tosho iwai, robert lippok, sticks ect
Sounds Like
like when speakers burn. shrews in the long grass. Door mice communicating. splintering wood. flexing hand saws. A tree falling in the woods.
There are a couple of early log1k recordings here.... and some more at www.owlproject.com. The ilogs sound different we will put up some sounds from them soon.
This specially commissioned project explores the relationship between the crafting
of physical objects and the shaping of sound. The Owl Project's 'Sound
Lathe' is a unique audio instrument based on a traditional green wood turning
pole lathe. Working with Mike Abbott, a leading UK professional wood-turner,
the Sound
Lathewill be used to create a 'Sound Chair' which will be exhibited 17-20
May at the
Showroom Cinema.
Mike
Abbotts workshop /www.living-wood.co.uk/
The process begins in Edale in the Peak District
where the Sound Lathe will
be demonstrated and the components of the chair
will be created over
three days. As part of this process the Owl Project
will compose a new audio work based on the shaping
of the chair. The sound itself will eventually
be embedded permanently within the finished chair
to create a tactile and sonic record of the creative
process.
http://festival2007.lovebytes.org.uk/event.php?ref=13140001-Sound-Chair
"Post Pansonic uppercase electronica" The Wire magazine, Nov, 2008.
Owl Project make sculpture, music and sound art, notably the Log1K, Sound Lathe, and iLog.
Drawing on influences such as woodworking, hobby style electronics and open source software to create music-making machines, they take a craft-based approach to designing their own interfaces and objects. The result is a distinctive range of musical and sculptural instruments that critique human interaction with computer interfaces and our increasing appetite for new and often disposable technologies.
They have performed nationally and internationally, including Garage Festival (Stralsund, Germany), with Matmos (Scala, London, UK) Emergences Festival (Paris, France). Sound Lathe was shortlisted & exhibited for the SHARE prize (Torino, IT) 2008.
The iLog series is a reflection on our relationship with consumer technology. The design of each iLog strongly echoes contemporary products such as iPods and advanced mobile phones. These extremely developed complex products, with their plastic techno-packaging, seem modern and beguiling, but also appear craft-less and encourage a disturbing disposability.
After launching the original iLog in 2005 a new range of iLogs were shown at Futuresonic (Manchester UK) 2006, and then at Digital Wellbeing Labs (London) and have been used in performances at "Musikprotokoll" (Graz AU), TEKS trondhiem Norway) & the Serpintine Gallery stage, London 2008. This year they have been awarded Arts Council funding to radically develop the iLog & m-Log technology. Working with artists, Leafcutter John, Kaffe Mathews , & Thor Magnusson (ixi software) and Philip Jeck, they are exploring the roll of hand held devices in relation to live improvised performance and computer music. New iLog's will be developed specifically for each artist.
By choosing wood as the main material for the iLog, Owl Project have extracted modern design principles but deflected it back to a traditional sensibility. This immediately raises questions about modern desire for disposable technology and nostalgia surrounding traditional crafts.
Owl Project consists of Simon Blackmore and Antony Hall and Steve Symons. All 3 artists have wide ranging individual practices concerning art, science and technology. For more information on Owl Project and individual works please follow the following links:
Svarte Greiner (Deaf Center/Miasmah/Type) explores deep into a dark, mysterious and disturbing universe. Drawing inspiration from artists such as Earth, Volcano the Bear, David Darling & Deathprod, the music is draped in Lynchian mysticism and horror film cinematics. "The music of Svarte Greiner is practically perfect. It's like that sound in our heads we've been imagining for ages but had never actually heard." - Type Records.
The Sight Below (Rafael Anton Irisarri/Miasmah/Immune) draws as much on modern genre progenitors like Brian Eno, Robin Guthrie and My Bloody Valentine as it does from the more historic traditions in neo-classicism from Erik Satie and Olivier Messiaen. His album Glider has appeared on Thom Yorke's radar in making the Radiohead's lynchpin's top ten playlist.
His debut album Navigare soon to feature on the Miasmah label, Simon Scott (former Slowdive) is set to be a household name in conceptual music. Simon is the former Slowdive drummer, co-producer of Televise, producer of Seavault, and owner of KESH Recordings label.
Hello guys, just to let you know there are just a couple of days left to enter the Rockstar competition which I listen for. The prizes include being the first confirmed act for Glastonbury 2010 and some recording time at RealWorld studios, and 3 finalists get to play the Pilton Party which is huge. Looking for all kinds of music so don't be put off by the name.
Machinefabriek is amongst the finest experimental/electronic artists of today. His ultra-prolific back catalogue showcases his ability to perfect classical ambience, organic drone soundscapes, electronic minimalism and cathartic noise. He is hailed as one of the most interesting new experimental musicians by the Wire magazine.
Xela is the shady, underworld atmospheres and improv horrors of John Twells, owner of Type Records. "Xela has always been able to pre-empt the shifting tides of electronic music and deliver a statement that's definitively of its time” (Boomkat).
His debut album Navigare soon to feature on the Miasmah label, Simon Scott is set to be a household name in conceptual music. Simon is the former Slowdive drummer, co-producer of Televise, producer of Seavault, and owner of KESH Recordings label.
As well as the Owl Project track featured exclusively on the CD accompanying the current issue of Attack!!!!, Owl Project's Antony Hall provided an illustration celebrating Galvinism and bioelectricity back in issue 4. The last copy of this issue is now up for auction on ebay, starting at a penny. Place your bids.
Pilot For A 22nd Century Sitcom is finally available to view online having exhausted the festival circuit. Stay tuned for imminent news regarding our latest short, a hermitcore musical on Super-8mm.
2112 AD: a smug scientist is pushed to his limits when his domestic goddess wife gets the nuclear fear and can no longer see the point in doing her chores.
Thanks very much for adding us :) We hope you like our music as much as we enjoy making it. Check out the 5 minute film of our first live performance, its now on our page. Your thoughts and comments are appreciated. Have a great new Year! best wishes Simon & Robin
Friday 28th November THE HORSE LOOM - Steve Malley from the North East's excellent Unit Ama playing acoustic with nods to Bert Jansch, John Fahey and John Martyn. As seen at Dan Higgs and Family Elan gigs. http://www. myspace. com/horseloom
7 HERTZ - Seth's chamber/jazz/folk/improv ensemble rumble onwards! Recent album on Birdwar records and collaborations with These Monsters and David Thomas Broughton. Double bass/Violin/Accordion & probably much more http://www. myspace. com/the7hertzband
DARREN ADCOCK - a fixture in Manchester music scene over the last couple of years, from acoustic to noise and back again. This time its acoustic. Never fails to provide something unique for the occasion.
Upstairs at the Hare and Hounds, opposite Shudehill bus station. 5 minutes from Piccadilly Gardens or Victoria Station. four on the door, 8. 30 start
