Chris Carter from the legendary Throbbing Gristle is teaming-up with Dirty Electronics led by noise doctor John Richards to perform a piece for a specially designed DIY electronic instrument. The instrument will feature an original copper etching artwork designed by Carter that will become part of a dirty electronics instrument. Random sequences, distortion and noise coalesce in a unique hand-held instrument the size of a postcard. Social noise for all!

A 4-day workshop that presents a number of key ideas relating to dirty electronics through the practical construction of DIY electronic instruments and large group rehearsal and performance. The Dirty Carter Postcard, based on the Skull Etching, uses a dual 4-stage shift register. Each register is controlled independently. Two oscillators are used per register: one as a clock, the other as input data that is cascaded through the four stages. The outputs from the four stages are mixed together. A fast clock rate produces a crude form of wavetable synthesis, whilst a slow clock rate creates audible pulses and clicks. The clock speed and the data input’s frequency are controlled by touch electrodes. By tilting the instrument, sound from both the 4-stage shift registers can be mixed together. Glitchy noise, deep drones and percussive peeps! Participants will also be able to choose between building the petit coronation, a hybrid electro-acoustic mechanical device that generates pulses and rhythms; and inter-FACE, an all mouth and face controlled instrument. The final day of the workshop will involve playing a range of dirty electronic instruments in groups and with Chris Carter from Throbbing Gristle, and exploring the possibilities of collective group performance. All participants will be invited to take part in the Dirty Electronics with Chris Carter concert that will take place later in the week. No knowledge of electronics or previous experience at building electronic musical devices is needed.

Since 2005, John Richards has been exploring the idea of dirty electronics through performance, writings and workshops. Dirty electronics refers to an approach in electronic music that is directly opposed to those found in mass produced digital culture and includes some of the following characteristics: designer trash, ugly, cheap, heavy, hand-made, designed to be handled or to come in contact with the body, ready-mades, hacked, bent, fedback and kitsch.

Dates: May 31 – June 3 from 10:00 – 17:00
Location: STEIM, Achtergracht 19, Amsterdam
Lecturer(s): John Richards & Chris Carter
Course cost: €200 (including materials)
More info: check site