Saturday, December 26, 2009

FEW BREED OF SOUNDS


FEW BREED OF SOUNDS:
A Sound Art and Visual Night Fever

When: December 29, 2009 (Tuesday)
Time: Gallery opens at 7:00 PM and show starts at 8:00 PM
Where: Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue,
located at Block 11 Lot 9 Congressional Road, Bgy. Sta.Fe Dasmariñas, Cavite
(near DLSU-Dasmariñas, in front of Dan Phil Hardware)
Free admission but donations for the benefit of the art gallery are highly appreciated.


E.X.I.S.T. is pleased to welcome Filipino-born and Canadian-based guitarist and sound artist, Reuel Ordoñez a.k.a. Maggot Breeder, an experimental outfit and a long term ongoing experimental musical project. He will be performing on the 29th of December at Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue, an independent art space located at Dasmariñas Cavite (near DLSU-D). Maggot Breeder will be joined by homegrown electronic artists Eric Diolola + Jeanilyn Kwan, Washing Machine, Firefly Logic, Elemento and performance artist Marlon Magbanua.

This event is Presented by EXperimentation In Sound art Tradition (E.X.I.S.T.)
and Sonic Mind Fields Bookstore in cooperation with Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue.


Washing Machine
is the duo of Stan Castelo and Gilbert Sanchez (Elemento drummer). The group explores the possibilities of experimental electronic performance and improvisation.

Firefly Logic is an all-Filipino electro-ambient improvisation group composed of Eric and Abby. Formed in October 2008, the duo's intention is to create music which is entirely in contract with their progressive band, fuseboxx. Their music is about expression through the use of electronic instruments (mainly keyboards), focusing more on soundscapes and emotions through improvisation. (http://fireflylogic.multiply.com/

Elemento is a multi-disciplinary art collective that is spear-headed by Lirio Salvador, a visual assemblage / sound artist. Salvador creates sound sculptures cum musical instruments out of metal pipes, stainless steel, bicycle parts and other industrial materials. These sound sculptures are being used by the group in their sound art/musical performances and are sometimes seen hanging on display on different museums and art galleries.

The concept behind Salvador’s sound sculptures called “sandata” or weapon is in line with the idea of creating something out of what is given and readily available or adaptability. Very much in the same native tradition of adapting to one’s surroundings although it just so happened that Salvador is adapting to surroundings that is in the eternal now. The materials and even the concepts that Salvador works at are actually indigenous but stemming from a modern industrialized setting. It’s almost like the concept of tribal existence come full circle: existing, adapting, creating and functioning just as the natives were before but from the point of view of someone existing in the now. In this sense, Salvador is almost like a modern native, a techno tribal shaman and the Elemento collective – a career tribal commune: existing, adapting, creating and functioning as it is in a modern and industrialized tribal setting guided by instinct and primal tendencies. But more than anything else for Salvador and the other kindred spirits, who share his vision, Elemento is more than just a collective; it is a state of mind and a way of life. Everything else is just incidental. (http://elementomusic.multiply.com/)

Chiptune or chip music is more than a form of retro sound synthesis. To Jeanilyn Kwan and Eric Diolola, it is their way of defining contemporary sounds through classic roots— graceful noise generation from simple tones and electronic scores. There is a childish nostalgia one gloats in when hearing the music of a successful Famicom battle. This is the sound they want people to be reminded of— the sounds of anticipated level-ups, augmented life spans and abrupt game overs; sounds that make you feel like its 1993 again.

Maggot Breeder is the long term ongoing musical project of Reuel Ordonez, filipino by birth and now residing in Montreal, Quebec. Utilizing the guitar as the primary sound source, Maggot Breeder creates a dark yet oddly serene soundscape which invokes images of war, conflict, pain, despair and suffering. Reuel Ordonez's guitar playing is not confined to one style. With his versatility, Ordonez's playing can be best described as a collaboration of heavy metal, psychedelia, experimental and the rock worlds.

Maggot Breeder is inspired by the history and imagery of the Great War of 1914-1918, the great imperialist war which accelerated modernization and shaped the 20th century. The results of this tumultuous period resonate to this day in terms of technology, culture, politics and global conflict. Founded in 1984 Maggot Breeder is considered to be one of Montréal’s more ingenious noise ensembles. While still composing music with Maggot Breeder Ordonez joined local hardcore band Rhododendron in 1991. After Rhododendron dismantled and still keeping with his Maggot Breeder, Ordonez joined local heavy hitters, Legumo in 1997. This band stayed strong until he formed local instrumental doom/sludge trio Squalor; this being one of Ordonez's more successful endeavours along with Maggot Breeder. One needs not to be convinced after hearing Maggot Breeder to know the Ordonez is not an amateur. He is one of the key musicians of our time. With Squalor and Maggot Breeder, Ordonez is at his element. (http://www.myspace.com/maggotbreeder)

Marlon Magbanua graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Technological University of the Philippines, Manila. An avid musician, he uses various musical instruments and accessories for his performances. Magbanua is an active participant in local and international performance art events.

His projects delve into documenting or embedding together sound and time, examining the possible correlations between sounds and images, dissecting the notion that “hearing is another form of seeing” (William Hellerman) through the appropriation of a translation system which correlates auditory and visual elements and values.

Theoretically, in this translation system, all objective elements of one experience can be broken down, defined and re-expressed as a different experience: in this case, sound literally translates to visuals or vice versa. This was inspired, notably, by the numerical systems used in computer programs to process aesthetic components (i.e. functional quantifications of both sound and visual elements, such as CMYK values, tonal values, numerical/digital pitch adjustment, etc.).

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Etniktronika's Album available at Sonic Mind Fields starting December 4, 2009



ETNIKTRONIKA
Industrial CAncer (Audio CD)
File under: experimental, circuit-bending, sound art
Produced by Mel Araneta and ROger Lopez
Recorded: raw=wreck and casillas, april-august 2009

"Etniktronika is a collective effort of mel araneta, mai pavillar, jam manares and herson sarona, aimed to integrate electronic, indigenous, and home-made musical instruments in an experimental fashion." - Excerpts from the album's liner notes.

Friday, October 30, 2009

Sonic Mind Fields’ Featured Site: The Freesound Project



The Freesound Project
http://www.freesound.org

“The Freesound Project is a collaborative database of Creative Commons licensed sounds. Freesound focuses only on sound, not songs. This is what sets freesound apart from other splendid libraries like ccMixter”.

In this site you can listen and download free sounds from all around the world through its database under creative commons license. You can also interact with fellow field recording enthusiasts and sound-artists. It also aims to aim to create an open database of sounds that can also be used for scientific research.

If you are a musician who uses sound samples on your tracks, you will also find this site very useful. A lot of free sounds are released under Creative Commons Sampling Plus 1.0 where users are free to sample, mash-up, or otherwise creatively transform the sounds for commercial or noncommercial purposes. Users are required to register/log in to download the free sounds though.

By Blend:er
For Sonic Mind Fields

Thursday, October 22, 2009

Sound Artist from Cebu visited E.X.I.S.T.’s HQ

Sound Artist from Cebu visited E.X.I.S.T.’s HQ

On October 17, 2009, Christopher “Chris” Murillo visited Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVenue in Dasmariñas, Cavite to check out the live performances of Lirio Salvador (Elemento) and the rest of E.X.I.S.T. (Experimentation in Sound Art Tradition) during the opening reception of Ros Veluz’s solo exhibit. Nyabinghi, Blend:er, Ugong and Lakbay Lahi also performed that night.

Chris Murillo is a furniture designer, sculptor and sound installation artist from Cebu. He mainly used different sounds from the machines and tools for making furniture and feed them into his electronic set up.

He is currently in town as a participant of ART:MNL, a foretaste of the upcoming Philippine International Art Fair 2010 at Manila Furnishings and Apparel Manufacturers’ Exchange (F.A.M.E.) International. He decided to check out the sound performances in Cavite before flying back to Cebu.



(sound installation by Chris Murillo)

Thursday, October 8, 2009

Call for Donations of School Supplies

Call for Donations of School Supplies

According to Department of Education’s National Report (as of October 5, 2009), damage to the country’s public schools by tropical storm “Ondoy” (international name Ketsana) has reached P550,938,902.60. Such amount includes damage to textbooks, instructional materials, computers, equipments and other school properties and facilities.

“Students and schools affected by Ondoy may not have the materials and resources to begin again.” Tulong Kabataan, a youth network of volunteers, said. They are calling for urgent donations of school supplies such as notebooks, pencils and ballpens, school bags, old uniforms, and even chalk, paper and blackboard erasers for students and schools devastated by heavy rains and floods. Textbooks, educational materials and other school paraphernalia are also most welcome. Donations may be brought to the Tulong Kabataan Command Center and/or other drop off points (http://kabataanpartylist.com/blog/ondoy/#list).

Museo Pambata also accepts donations of notebooks, pad papers, pencils, crayons and other school supplies for children victims of Typhoon Ondoy. Bags, food items, clothes, etc. are also welcome. Please bring donations to Museo Pambata from 8am to 5pm. For more information, call 5231797 to 98, ask for the Programs Department. You can also email info@museopambata.org.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Supported by Sonic Mind Fields Bookstore: "ETNIKTRONIKARANETART": Mel Araneta's 3rd Solo Art Exhibit

"Undaunted by a recent diagnosis of Severe Lumabar Disc Bulge, Mel Araneta returned to his native town Bacolod for his 3rd solo exhibit dubbed as “ETNIKTRONIKARANETART”.

The exhibit will open on September 26, 2009 at 6:00 o’clock in the evening and will run until October 17, 2009 at Namit Namit Pagkaon Kag Taliambong (Resto Gallery) located at Artekalye, San Agustin Ext., North Drive, Bacolod City. The opening of his 3rd solo exhibit will coincide with the album launching of his sound art/circuit-bending group Etniktronika, with guest performances from sound artists and musicians Inconnu Ictu and Blend:er, who travelled from Marikina and Cavite, to show support.

Mel Araneta's medical condition commonly known as “slipped disk”, affects his spine and causes him pain and discomfort. He was constrained to leave his day job, and seek refuge and comfort in his art and faith.“At first I was shocked, but I know that God just gave me another trial in my artistic life. I am currently in an ongoing therapy. Art is my life and I will never stop doing this until my last breath. I know God is good all the time.”

Mel Araneta is a painter, sculptor and sound artist who was born on July 12, 1973 in Binalbagan, Negros Occidental. He finished his studies at TUP-VISAYAS in 1995. He is also the founding member of the Etniktronika, a group that employs circuit-bending procedures and ethnic instruments to produce their distinct sound. Many of their instruments are crafted from discarded objects usually found in nearby junk shops. His self-made instrument baptized as the "Uyabon" ( means "girlfriend” in Ilonggo dialect) appears as a half-body mannequin with built-in toy keyboard and tampered circuitry. He professes his gratitude to Lirio Salavador of Elemento for inspiration in circuit-bending and d.i.y. electronic instruments.

Inconnu Ictu a.k.a Roger Llagas Lopez a post-musician,experimental composer,improviser,multi-instrumentalist,visual art enthusiast who resides in the shoe capital of the Philippines. Inconnu Ictu means an unknown man's blow or a stroke. As a sound constructor he explores his interest by using obsolete electronic gadgets, pedal fx boxes, defective rhythm consoles, found objects, d.i.y mic and circuit bent materials. Inconnu Ictu has participated and is affiliated with SABAW and EX.I.S.T (experimentation in sound art tradition) sound art collectives, and is a multi-media and explorative art enthusiast.

Blend:er (a.k.a. Cris Garcimo) electronic music composer/producer, analog synth player and soundscape/field recording enthusiast based in Cavite, Philippines His music has appeared in Mood Swing Theater Compilation (2004), Atlanta, U.S.A. One of his tracks was also chosen for S.A.B.A.W. Anthology (2006) – the first anthology of sound art, noise, electronic, and experimental music in the Philippines, and recently in EXperimentation in Sound Art Tradition 3 CD Album. As a performer, he has been invited to various electronic music performances, art galleries and music/sound festivals such as Media Art Manila's Field Trip (Green
Papaya Art Projects) and Ear to Eye Festival (Asia-Europe New Media Art Symposium 09). He has also collaborated, both live performances and studio/remix projects, with musicians and sound artists from E.X.I.S.T., S.A.B.A.W. and Electronica Manila Collective.

Brought to you by NAMIT NAMIT Resto Gallery, Mel Araneta’s family, relatives and friends

Supported by Espasyo Siningdikato, E.X..I.S.T. (Experimentation in Sound Art Tradition), ANIKcessories and Sonic Mind Fields Bookstore.

For more information please contact Mel 0939-4362050."

Monday, September 14, 2009

Ugong's Morca Pika now available at Sonic Mind Fields!



Morca Pika (Audio CD)
by Ugong
Philippines, 2007
File under: experimental music, sound art
(rare/limited copies only)

Morca Pika is Ugong's first experimental sound art project album. It is a collection of improvisation, ambient, noise and sound art materials, produced and manipulated electronically using circuit bent toys and other electronic instruments and effects. All tracks were recorded live using a Tape Recorder to preserve its rawness and organic sound. Ugong is an Experimental Sound Art project and brainchild of Erick Calilan.

---------------------------------------------------------------

Erick Calilan: "In 2005, PJ Soliven and I, together with some other musicians and artists, formed and founded 'Sound Existence' a conceptual sound and poetry group. Eventually, after knowing that the name 'sound existence' has already been existed as a band somewhere in the states, we changed the name of the group to Ugong (in Tagalog it refers to a 'roaring sound') on the following year. And later became a pure experimental sound art project.

Currently PJ Soliven has his own experimental group called 'Nyabinghi' and Ugong is still in a loose collaborative state."

http://earthmedicine.multiply.com/
http://www.myspace.com/ugong

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Sonic Mind Fields on TotalPhilippines - Philippines Expat and Travel Blog

Thank you very much to TotalPhilippines Blog for the encouraging words:

"When Espasyo Siningdikato, the creative arts haven in Dasmariñas, Cavite opened last July 18, it also opened another store that will surely be of good use to everyone specially to the arts and book lovers in the area. It is the Sonic Mind Fields Bookstore which is located inside the Espasyo Siningdikato building.

The bookstore is not really what you are thinking right now. It does not have the wide space like what you are used to seeing in any National Bookstore. It does not have the luxurious cards and books like those in Power Books, Rex and Expressions.

However, since it is one of the few independent local bookstores in Cavite, I have a feeling that I will be a regular at the store. Its proximity to the De La Salle University - Dasmariñas will also become the key reason for Sonic Mind Fields' success."

- Philippines Expat and Travel Blog
http://blog.totalphilippines.com

To read more visit: TotalPhilippines Blog

Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Sonic Mind Fields Night @ Espasyo Siningdikato

Sonic Mind Fields Night @ Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue & Art Space, Dasmariñas, CaviteA night of improvisation, electronic music, noise, and sound art at Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue and art space. August 26, 2009, Wednesday

Thanks everyone! It was a fun night! Great music and superb food! Thank you to Shey, Espasyo Siningdikato, Sir Lirio Salvador, Ma'am Mean, Jonjie Ayson, Alger and Orvin of Dighay Gulay (Food Trip: Vegan Pasta & Korean BBQ Tofu), Heidi of ANIKcessories, Nadz, EXperimentation in Sound Art Tradition (E.X.I.S.T.), to all the performers, Crucio, Stan, Ros Veluz, Mel Araneta and Etnikronika, Erick Calilan/Ugong, Elemento, Jon Romero, Roger, Inconnu Ictu, Xeontresh, Joven Garcimo, Charlie, Rob Cruz, Natiaz, Martin, Nyabinghi, PJ, Erich, Jen, Valerie, Espasyo Blues Explosion, SABAW, Media Arts Manila, Electronica Manila Collective/Mailing List, students and professors of DLSU-Dasmarinas, Dasmariñas community and to all our friends, families and colleagues. See you all on the next Sonic Mind Fields Night @ Espasyo Siningdikato! Cheers!







(Top to Bootom: Elemento, Etniktronika, Ugong, Blend:er +Inconnu Ictu, Jen of Nyabinghi)

Feel free to repost all the pics. Photo credits: Shey Garcimo

Sonic Mind Felds on Modisti.com, Spain



Thanks to our friends from MODESTI NEW MUSIC ONLINE, Madrid, Spain, for reposting the news about Sonic Mind Fields Night. We really appreciate your support!

Modisti is an interactive virtual environment for new music. It is also an online directory with information with regard to experimental music, it’s performers and enthusiats, thru lists promotion activities such as concerts, festivals, record releases, etc. For mire details check out http://www.modisti.com/.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Sonic Mind Fields Night @ Espasyo Siningdikato



Sonic Mind Fields is pleased to present a night of improvisation, electronic music, noise, and sound art at Espasyo Siningdikato creatiVEnue and art space.

Featuring performances by: Aurora Borealis, Blend:er, Crucio, Elemento, Etniktronika, Inconnu Ictu, Nyabinghi
Ugong and Xeontresh + Mischa Elman + Rob Cruz.

Special limited copies of Experimentation in Sound Art Tradition/E.X.I.S.T. 3CD Special Edition, Morca Pika by Ugong, Boolean Float – Interactive Video Art by Mannet Villariba and Seido’s Manila Box will also be sold during the event.

Date: August 26, 2009, Wednesday/7:30 PM
Venue: Block 11 Lot 9 Congressional Road, Bgy. Sta.Fe Dasmariñas
Cavite (near De La Salle University - Dasmariñas).
Admission: Free

Brought to you by Sonic Mind Fields in cooperation with Experimentation in Sound Art Tradition (E.X.I.S.T.)
and Espasyo Siningdikato

We hope to see you all! Cheers!

Friday, August 14, 2009

Boolean Float : Interactive Video Art by Mannet Villariba



Available at Sonic Mind Fields!

Boolean Float

Interactive Video Art (DVD Format)
by *Mannet Villariba
Philippines, 2008
File under: Video art
(Rare/limited copies only)

*A grand prize winner of the NCCA’s Websining Digital Art competition in 2007. Mannet Villariba explores his medium with an enthusiasm for electronics as it relates to the realm of sound and visuals. After a fine arts education, corporate environment, and with a self-confessed anti-synth ideology in his garage-band days, Villariba’s exposure on new media led to an advantageous and favorable understanding of these unforeseen forces underlying electronic sound with its mystical, ambient and chaotic appeal, eventually shifting his ideals, which in turn rejuvenates his expression in visual art as well. Interactive visual interpretations of these forces are increasingly the main focus of his work. He actively participates in various performance art events locally as well as several festivals abroad, such as the Tupada Xing, Wunderspaze, Singapore 2006 / Nippon International Performance Art Festival, Japan, Summer 2007 / Asean Contemporary Art Exchange, Yangon Myanmar, January 2009 / Changwon Art Festival, South Korea, April 2009 / Gwangju International Performance Art Festival, South Korea, May 2009. source: www.aseum09.tk

To purchase a copy, please visit us at Sonic Mind Fields or e-mail sonicmindfields@gmail.com

Trivia: Mr. Peter Tomas-Dobrilla, the Director for the Arts Department at the Ministry of Culture, Slovenia bought a copy of Boolean Float at Sonic Mind Fields when he was in Espasyo Siningdikato (Dasmariñas, Cavite) as part of ASEUM09.

Monday, August 10, 2009

Featured Book of the Week: RE/Search #4/5

RE/Search #4/5:
W.S. Burroughs, Brion Gysin, Throbbing Gristle
8 1/2 x 11" 100 pp, 58 photos & illustrations

William Burroughs, Brion Gysin & Throbbing Gristle talk about advanced ideas involving the social control process, creativity and the future. Interviews, scarce fiction, essays: this is a manual of ideas and insights. Strikingly designed, with rare photos, bibliographies, discographies, chronologies & illustrations.

Reviews:
"Interviews with pioneering cut-up artists William S. Burroughs, Brion Gysin and Throbbing Gristle . . . proposes a ground-breaking, radical cultural agenda for the '80s and '90s."
Jon Savage, London Observer

"Well crafted . . . boldly designed to keep the eye moving . . . challenges the conventional approach to journalism and biography."
Another Room

Friday, August 7, 2009

Lakbay Lahi

Lakbay Lahi, one of our favorite bands from Cavite will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday (August 7) at Espasyo Siningdikato. We hope to see you all. Cheers!

Saturday, July 25, 2009

Sonic Mind Fields now open!



Sonic Mind Fields officially opened on July 23, 2009! It coincided with the 3rd day of Asia-Europe New Media Arts Symposium or ASEUM 09. Espasyo Siningdikato, the art space where Sonic Mind Fields is located, hosted the 3rd day of ASEUM’s panel discussion, TV Lounge and Eye to Ear Festival. Thank you very much to Shey, Espasyo Siningdikato, Lirio Salvador and Ma'am Mean, EXIST, Mannet Villariba, Dan, Glen Teejay and J.Luna of Bookay Ukay Bookstore, Tengal and SABAW Media Arts Kitchen, Peter Tomaž Dobrilla of MMC Kibla, Diego Maranan of Biomodd, all the participants of ASEUM09, students/professorsof DLSU-Dasmarinas, Dasmariñas community and to all our friends, families and colleagues.

Cheers also to the intense and engaging performances by Elemento, Ugong, Blend:er, Nyabinghi, Terraformer, Grnd+Cntrl, Ros Veluz as well as the video art by Mannet Villariba.

The reception to our little bookstore was really heartwarming. We felt the enthusiasm on having a local bookstore inside the gallery. It was nice that almost everyone was delighted over the design of Sonic Mind Fields’ bookshelf. Cheers!


ASEUM 09 Participants


Norman Wilwayco's Gerilya available at Sonic Mind Fields courtesy of Dan Gaffud of Bookay Ukay Bookstore. Thank you Dan! Cheers!


Mr. Peter Tomaž Dobrilla of MMC Kibla (Slovenia) bought some books and CDs at Sonic Mind Fields. Big thanks!



Diego Maranan discussing Biomodd.
Thanks also to Diego Maranan for buying a book from Sonic Mind Fields!


experimental noise & sound art performance by Lirio Salvador and Elemento


Tengal of Sabaw Media Arts Kitchen with participants and performers for ASEUM 09

Wednesday, July 8, 2009

Support your local bookstore!

Why shop Indie?

When you shop at an independently owned business, your entire community benefits. Buying local means less packaging, less transportation, and a smaller carbon footprint.Shopping in a local business district means less infrastructure, less maintenance, and more money to beautify your community. Local shops are your friends and neighbors.Local businesses donate to charities at more than twice the rate of national chains.More independents means more choice, more diversity, and a truly unique community.

excerpts from http://www.indiebound.org/

Some things stay with you forever...find them at Sonic Mind Fields




Photo is courtesy of Julie Falk, USA.
Published under Creative Commons.

Sonic Mind Fields is member of IndieBound Community

IndieBound is a community-oriented movement begun by the independent bookseller members of the American Booksellers Association. It brings together booksellers, readers, indie retailers, local business alliances, and anyone else with a passionate belief that healthy local economies help communities thrive.

www.indiebound.org

Monday, July 6, 2009

Enjoy your trip.



photo courtesy of flickmor. published under cc license
mornaaman.com
New York, USA

Friday, July 3, 2009

Opening Soon!



After almost 2 years, we finally found a home. Thanks to Sir Lirio Salvador of Espasyo Siningdikato. Watch out for more details!