Guest Reecard Farché, aka Anklepants, discusses communication evolution, technical details of microcontrollers, wearable technology, music production optimization, latency reduction, innovation in music creation tech, travel equipment challenges, mask and electronic instrument crafting, resilience in sound engineering, and fusion of electronic music and art projects.
Anklepants creates intricate real-time music systems with unique instruments and custom software setups for innovative performances.
Maintaining and repairing complex performance systems involves troubleshooting hardware issues and carrying tools for quick fixes while traveling.
The shift towards real-time improvisation and instrument design challenges traditional music creation processes, emphasizing spontaneity and innovation.
Deep dives
Development of Real-time Music Performance System
The episode delves into the development of a real-time music performance system involving complex instruments like a microphone with 24 tactile buttons and joysticks, a breath controller with pressure sensitivity, accelerometers, and a wireless transmitter. The system processes analog inputs into OSC messages, allowing for modulation and control of synthesizers through custom software and hardware setups.
Challenges in System Maintenance and Repair
The discussion highlights the challenges faced in maintaining and repairing the intricate performance system, which includes troubleshooting hardware issues, soldering, gluing components, and improvising repairs on the fly. The artist's dedication to ensuring optimal performance involves carrying tools like soldering irons and batteries for quick fixes while traveling.
Evolution Towards Real-time Improvisation and Instrument Design
The conversation reveals a shift from traditional track arrangement to a focus on real-time improvisation and instrument design. The artist aims to create a fully real-time environment where gestures, breath control, and dexterity drive the music creation process. Projects like the eight-string drone instrument powered by servo motors and sensors exemplify the quest for musical spontaneity and innovation.
Challenges of Traveling with Equipment
The podcast discusses the challenges of traveling with intricate musical equipment. The speaker highlights issues with transporting fragile gear like resonators and unique instruments through airports and how baggage handling can lead to damages. Despite efforts to protect the equipment with cases and constant checks upon arrival to ensure everything is intact, the speaker admits that broken items remain a common occurrence, ultimately emphasizing the need for customized cases and duplicating equipment for international convenience.
Creativity and Execution in Designing Masks and Instruments
The episode delves into the creative process behind designing masks and instruments. It explores how the speaker conceptualizes unique mask designs and electronic instruments, drawing inspiration from odd characters and experimental ideas. By leveraging skills learned in the creature effects industry and self-taught digital workflows, the speaker executes intricate designs, including mechanical plant-inspired masks. The speaker's commitment to executing diverse ideas despite time and financial constraints underscores the intricate process of transitioning from initial concepts to wearable masks and operational instruments.
Reecard Farché (aka Anklepants) is an Australian born convict, multi instrumentalist, instrument builder, and solo member of Anklepants. You can check out the bulk of his work here:
