Tattooing voices

Dylan Beatttie (University of Sussex)*

Tattooing voices
Image credit: Dylan Beatttie (University of Sussex)*

Abstract:

Tattooing voices is an improvised performance combining live phonographic disc inscription with vocal performance. An evolving NIME - the Performance Record Lathe (PRL) - is played in conjunction with a live-looped vocal performance. The ‘cutterhead’ of the PRL is fed from the audio output of the vocal performer, and the resultant grooves are (re)performed by multiple pickups (and FX) for both performers to further respond to. Locked grooves can be formed and tonearm movement is further restricted using string to create unstable ‘lo fi’ loops from the emerging record. No synchronisation mechanism is used between the two loop-based performance ecosystems which often creates polyrhythmic overlap and obfuscates the origin, and continuation, of sound sources. At times, a handheld inscription approach (‘sound tattooing’) is employed by the performer of the PRL to affect a degree of stochasticity in performance, play with transformation, and acts of production, rather than reproduction.