Track Made Entirely with Korg Monotribe

Posted on May 21, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

I made this track, titled Crowd Dance, almost entirely using the Korg Monotribe synced in Ableton Live. There are 8 layers of the instrument plus a subtle analog drum pattern that includes the wood block, sampled from an old organ. This is one of several works in progress commissioned by the American Composers Forum for a collaboration with a choreographer. It is music for the opening vignette of “In Habit” that will be performed by the Aniccha Arts Dance Company at Northern Spark on June 9, 2012.

Diego Stocco at the Art of Music in LA

Posted on March 9, 2012 by John C.S. Keston

I have recently become aware of an excellent sound design and music event series held at the Bleicher Gallery in Santa Monica, CA. The series is titled The Art of Music and on March 25, 2012 they will feature a showcase by one of my favorite sound artists, Diego Stocco, as well as a performance by Nat Evans. The purpose of the series is to present “…an oasis in Hollywood for criminally overlooked music, giving media professionals a unique chance to discover new resources, discuss upcoming projects and forge new creative partnerships.” Checkout the details at artofmusicla.com.

Otsu, Bi, Ichi, Kotsu, and Hi

Posted on July 31, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

In continuing my analogue synthesized study of the Japanese reed instrument called a shō, I have played and recorded the traditional chords for the instrument using my programmed version. This brief composition is a sequence of the traditional chords Otsu, Bi, Ichi, Kotsu, and Hi.

After pre-recording the chords I set them up with triggers on separate tracks then played them so that they overlap creating dense and eerie harmonics during the transitions.

Shō Composition

Brash Ice Video

Posted on July 16, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

Jack Sack alerted me to the work of Cheryl E. Leonard who makes instruments, sounds and music from natural materials such as stones and ice. Visit her blog for more information about her work.

New Kutiman Song – Thru Jerusalem

Posted on June 17, 2011 by John C.S. Keston

Check out the latest Kutiman song that he created by shooting video of musicians while wandering around Jerusalem. I love Kutiman’s previous work with YouTube videos. This track sounds haunting and beautiful and is a pleasure to watch. A very special piece indeed!