January 21 Moths

Many musician friends have evolved their practice to the ambient - sound healing continuum. Even dedicated rockers. They inhabit small venues and intimate audience experiences. Alcohol which fuels local music, or really any other alterants, are not part of the equation.

Analog modular synths have resurged too. Musique concrète used vacuum tube electronics and magnetic tape. The next generation was epitomized by builders Robert Moog, Don Buchla, and others. They built small solid state synthesizers with large patches. Those modular synthesizers were akin to analog computers of the time used in solving calculus in science.

Trans musician Wendy Carlos provided Moog extensive user experience design feedback and subsequently was awarded multiple Grammys for her synthesizer performances. From there, purpose-built keyboard synths dominated. Now composition, tracking, mixing and mastering music is "in the box" - software.

But the kids rediscovered analog modules and built them on the inexpensive Eurorack ecosystem.

Live performance is popular, and the S1/Portland Synth Library, created by Felicia Ledesma, post her electronic media gallery Multiplex, is nestled in that world. We do mourn the sunset of Alisa Akay's Volt Divers synth+video performance series.

Some events combine synths, voice, and common sound healing acoustic instruments. Events can be lay down, some are sit down, and some are free improvised movement by all.

Tonight is MOTHS | Modular On The (Human) Spot: Movement to Modular Synthesis. It will be a small event, be nice, become part of the ecosystem, do not destroy it. It's a meditation with movement and community. Performer facilitators are Cave Cricket, Dashkasounds, and Wilder Rose. Presented in collaboration with the Portland Synth Library.