In an immersive six-day residency at La Générale Nord-Est, Paris, sonic pioneers Eric Cordier and Andrew Levine embarked on a musical odyssey like no other. From February 5th to 10th, the duo delved into a captivating realm of experimental sound, capturing 12 hours of relentlessly diverse recordings. This transformative experience birthed a collection of tracks that push the boundaries of musical expression, blending a vast array of instruments and devices into a mesmerizing tapestry of sonic artistry.
Eric Cordier, a multifaceted musician, visual artist, and performer, ceaselessly seeks new musical territories through intricate methodologies and complex instrumentation. With a background in aesthetics and a doctorate in ethnology/religious studies, Cordier's compositions exhibit a deep respect for the intrinsic qualities of sound, always crafted around powerful concepts and profound societal themes.
Andrew Levine, born in New York City and now based in Hamburg, brings his skills as a violinist and vocalist to the duo. With a Master's degree from the University of Trier and a wealth of experience in video and live concert recordings, Levine's musical journey took an exciting turn when he embraced the Moog Theremin. His mastery of this enigmatic instrument, combined with an ever-expanding search to augment his sonic palette, recently fuelled by explorations into the amalgamation of electronics and pipe organs, have opened up new dimensions in his musical pursuits.
During their residency, Cordier and Levine embarked on a sonic adventure, weaving together an eclectic range of instruments and devices. Eric's ensemble included three no-input mixers, two no-output laptops probed with electromagnetic pickups, four tc-electronic G-Force effects processors, and an Arturia Microfreak. Andrew contributed his musical prowess with the Moog Etherwave Plus connected to a Eurorack modular rig, complemented by the SOMA Pipe, STEIM Cracklebox, Landscape Audio Stereo Field, and two additional Eurorack configurations, one featuring the enigmatic Rungler of Rob Hordijk's Benjolin.
The duo captured their sonic explorations in a series of remarkable tracks. The recordings comprised a blend of captivating sources, including the Cracklebox recorded with close-mic as well as acoustic-transcending techniques, capturing the unique resonance of a piano nestled in the corner of the room. A stereo feed from one of Eric's mixers draws us into his intricate sonic worlds. Andrew's Theremin's modular voice contributed its dedicated output, while a stereo sum from his 6-channel Yamaha mixer seamlessly merged the mesmerizing sounds of the Pipe, Stereo Field, and the transformative power of the modular rig, manipulating the Cracklebox through electromagnetic pickups and an envelope follower.
The Metric Halo 2882+DSP 3d served as the mic pre/line input and ADC, faithfully capturing every nuance of each performance. Cockos Reaper was the chosen recording software, allowing for precise control throughout the process. The 2882+DSP 3d also provided a feed for two monitor speakers, enabling a comfortable working environment that allowed the artists to immerse themselves in the sonic tapestry they were weaving. While most sounds were captured directly, the artists utilized a combination of techniques to achieve their desired results.
Eric Cordier and Andrew Levine's residency at La Générale Nord-Est in Paris was an extraordinary sonic adventure. With their innovative use of instruments, devices, and techniques, the duo created a captivating collection of tracks that push the boundaries of modern music. Through their extraordinary collaboration, Cordier and Levine offer an immersive experience that transcends conventional musical boundaries, inviting listeners into a realm of sonic exploration like no other.
Eric Cordier, a visionary musician, visual artist, and performer, ceaselessly ventures into uncharted musical realms, driven by a perpetual quest for innovative sounds and intricate methodologies. With a keen interest in diverse approaches and complex devices, Cordier's musical journey has been marked by a constant exploration of unorthodox techniques and unconventional sonic landscapes. Graduating with a degree in Aesthetics (music, video, and philosophy) from DEA University Paris I in 1994, Cordier went on to attain a doctorate in ethnology/religious studies, delving deep into the analysis of 19th-century popular culture among Normandy peasants. While Cordier's work bears a semblance to Musique Concrete, his artistic identity is firmly rooted in a distinctive style that reveres the intrinsic characteristics of sound, thereby restraining the influence of sound treatments. Each of his compositions stands as a testament to his profound connection to societal and historical issues, serving as a vessel for impactful concepts and profound themes.
Andrew Levine, born in the vibrant milieu of New York City in 1968, is a remarkable talent who embarked on a musical journey at an early age, nurturing his passion for violin since the age of six, and subsequently expanding his horizons through the study of singing. After a Master's degree from the University of Trier, Levine's artistic endeavors have been fueled by an insatiable curiosity and an unwavering commitment to capturing the essence of live concert experiences. Having immersed himself in the realm of video production since 1998, Levine's focus progressively shifted towards the pursuit of authentic and transcendent live concert recordings from 2003 onwards. A distinguished member of the esteemed Association of German Sound Engineers, the "Verband Deutscher Tonmeister", Levine's extraordinary skills were honored with the coveted Golden Bobby award in 2014, solidifying his status as a masterful force in the field.
At the core of Levine's musical arsenal lies the Moog Theremin, first the Etherwave Plus, recently the Claravox, an instrument that has been his trusted companion since 2010, inspiring him to explore the realms of freely improvised configurations. Over time, his sonic palette expanded with the addition of an 0-Coast synthesizer in 2017, followed by the STEIM Cracklebox in 2019, culminating in a polyphonic Haken Audio Continuum Fingerboard that adds the final, polyphonic brushstrokes to his sonic canvas. Testament to his unwavering dedication, Levine embarked on a US tour and graced the stage at a four-day Theremin festival in 2020. Fueling his artistic evolution, Levine has been fortunate to secure several grants from 2021 to 2023, enabling him to venture into uncharted territories and unlock new dimensions within his sonic explorations. His tireless pursuit of musical innovation has led him to delve into the realms of electronics and organ, while also collaborating with esteemed ensembles such as Quatuor BRAC and the talented light artist Katrin Bethge during a tour in 2022.
In the realm of modern music, Eric Cordier and Andrew Levine stand as fearless adventurers, pushing the boundaries of sonic expression. Cordier's relentless exploration of diverse approaches and intricate devices weaves a tapestry of sound that is deeply rooted in respect for the inherent properties of each element. Meanwhile, Levine's virtuosity with the un-touched as well as delicately fingered capacitive electronics, complemented by his ever expanding sonic palette, creates an extraordinary fusion of improvised configurations. Together, they embody the spirit of musical innovation, inviting audiences on an unparalleled auditory journey into unexplored frontiers.
In the vibrant music scene of Hamburg, Germany there exists a dynamic record label under the management of Andrew Levine.
The electronic / electro-acoustic label, founded and previously curated by Tiago Morais Morgado (Braga, Portugal) has undergone an exciting transformation and continues to output cutting edge contemporary music....more
A collection of tracks from the singer and multi-disciplinary artist's 111 collaboration series, featuring KMRU, Laraaji, and others. Bandcamp New & Notable Apr 25, 2024
