On the 4th of June, I performed a semi-improvised set at the Iklectik Kiosk, this was my first time performing using a modular synth also my first time performing in open air.
Other than the modular, I used a sampler for some drum programming and as my master clock. I used a radio for live sampling and a dictaphone for some atmospheric pads.
I usually try not to plan my sets too much. But I’ve been realising that it’s better to prepare sounds and improvise with those. Similar with the modular, I didn’t want to be connecting cables during the performance, so the night before I did a patch that was easy to manipulate and take on many different directions, and with the ‘Morphagene’ have many different reels available with sounds for easy access.
I was satisfied with my performance because I felt it was the most dynamic Ive sounded live. I wasn’t worrying about the small details of the sounds, I was just focusing on the overall piece and its evolvement. It was stress relieving, because I like my music to be filled with different inter-lapping layers and I like to make it feel dense and evolving, so with fully improvised is hard to achieve this while also achieving something that is harmonically cohesive.
I still feel a bit limited with my modular, I’ve been building it for the past 3 years and this was the first time I felt that It would be appropriate to use it live, but if I decided to do it without the sampler it would be really hard to make something dynamic. I still lack effect units, and I only have a un-quantised 8 step sequencer to control my rack. For this set I didn’t think it was a drawback, mostly because it was a short 30 min set.
Overall, great experience and made me optimistic and less nervous about using modular live. The only thing I wish I was able to sit in the audience as well, because I’ve never been able to listen to my modular through a huge PA, where I was standing I missed lots of the high end.