Thollem McDonas continues his Electric Confluence series with two new volumes of music created on the Roland Jupiter XM and Korg Wavestate, respectively. The classically trained pianist’s improvisational approach to creation and performance, here, highlights his very unique musical interactions with these iconic synthesizers.
Both new volumes of the Electric Confluence series were recorded with no overdubbing in a process that he likens to “live collaboration,” but with a very sophisticated machine intelligence. Considering the musician’s prowess on the keys and fearless approach to the act of creation, his dextrous interactions make him especially equipped to put these instruments through their paces.
Thollem reports that Volume 3 was recently recorded while the musician was waylaid in Lisbon due to the Coronavirus. With performances canceled and extra time on his hands, we took the opportunity to ask him why he’d chosen these synthesizers in particular. He explains:
“I was originally interested in both of these instruments because of their size since I travel so much…Both of these instruments are incredibly versatile and allow for real performance of beats and sequencers, unlike any instrument I know of, especially with this portability. I developed techniques for both of them, ways to play with the arpeggiators that was really interesting to me and that utilized my experiences as a classical pianist, but towards a completely new result. I amazed myself that all these sounds came out of one instrument by one human in real-time.”
Thollem’s Electric Confluence series is currently available from his extensive Bandcamp page. While you’re at it, give Volumes 2 and 3 a listen below and check out his recent YouTube video in which he discusses and plays the Jupiter XM…
