On Saturday 9th February team Supersonic were thrilled to present the another night of leftfield oddities in the name of OUTLANDS, the UK’s new touring Network of experimental music. ‘Ecstatic Material’, the first Outlands tour of 2019, combined sound and substances from two original figures in their respective fields; musician and producer Beatrice Dillon and artist Keith Harrison. Curated and produced by Jennifer Lucy Allan and Al Cameron, this live sound experiment was an immersive treat, conducted through a modular system made up of malleable materials, light and multi-channel audio which is constructed, choreographed and diffused by the artists at Centrala, Digbeth.
READ HERE FOR THE 4* REVIEW FROM THE GUARDIAN OF ECSTATIC MATERIAL IN MANCHESTER!!!
Tour support came from DJs Copper Sounds from Bristol. Their primitive, tactile form of turntablism mesmerised the room, intrigued by their unique spinning of copper dubplates, ceramic pots, and heavy icelandic rocks. Earlier in the day the pair hosted a workshop in which Supersonic audience participants got to design and cast their own playable wax 7″ to take home.
After some warm up sets from both Copper Sounds and UUOO (from an impressively technical suitcase…), it was time for the live sound experiment to begin upstairs.
Drawing upon Keith Harrison’s renowned art practice transforming raw materials and Beatrice Dillon’s rhythmic computer music compositions, this jointly developed palette of playdoh pumping sound system and sound synthesis summoned a sensory site of elasticity, interference and reaction.
With Dillon playing through the multi-channel system, the speakers circling the room came to life in bounces and reverberations, each substance within- fluffy powers to coloured liquids- rippling in movement. This focus on interaction and the morphing of material is beautifully displayed, with Dillon’s music creating a trance like atmosphere.
Huge thank you to the artists and curators, and to all who came to experience the immersive piece. Keep an eye out on our website and socials for upcoming OUTLANDS events, or catch the rest of Ecstatic Material on tour at Cambridge Junction tonight, MK Gallery 13th Feb, South London Gallery 14th Feb and De La Warr Pavilion 15th Feb.
