Lands of the Blind

Lands of the Blind is an exploration into the notion of space in both sound and image. A constant live dialogue between the sonic and visual world through modular synthesis and live projection mapping creates a dynamic tension that is both visible and audible. Using concepts from gestalt psychology we explore how the two media can either present themselves as contrasting, homogenous or separate entities.

Space in sound
The work of Zeger de Vos is a complex arrangement of sound in virtual spaces. His latest album ‘Expired Sceneries’ is built upon field recordings, digital, analog and algorithmic synthesis and recordings of instruments in acoustically beautiful locations. The pieces of the album are narratives that are created through texture and space is one of the fundamental factors. By dynamic use of reverberation and diffusion, sounds move through a virtual space. The dense layering of textures create an immersive sensation through the ambiguous origins and behaviours of sounds. The field recordings each have a unique spatial character. These recordings are not used to create a realistic sense of space, but “field recording is essentially a creative way of interacting with reality, rather then ‘representing’ reality” (Francisco Lopez). Granular synthesis is a technique where microscopic chunks of sound are used to design new sounds. Here the space between grains is a crucial parameter. It can either result in an oppressive, glitchy texture, or a dense, sustained sound floating somewhere in a place far away. The modular synthesizer Zeger performs with is a system of modules, each with a different function. The communication between Max on laptop and the modular synthesizer enable complex, though sophisticated entanglement of these modules to create organic, morphing sounds. In addition, Max is used to send and receive data to and from the visuals of Stephan.

Space in visuals
Stephan want to show several elements of the environment to extract the concept of visuals in space. Playing with projections on different parts of the set and leading the attention of the audience throughout the room Stephan want to create a 3D feeling of visuals in space. Combining different layers and focussing on the material of the visuals to match the emotion of the music. When certain parts of the music are darker the visuals can be gentle and push back but on other parts the visuals may be extremely colorful in a way that the visuals are functioning as a source of light. There will be several worlds (or lands) that can be combine and take the audience through a journey where audio and the visuals melt into one. The music will be transformed to visuals that can be grungy, distorted and imperfect to match the mood of the set.