AETHERPHON, global theremin family

Kevin Asked me

> How do you do "therepercussion"?  Are you processing
> the sound?  The  
> best I've been able to do without processing is a
> fast attack but  
> never a percussive sound (such as a mallet
> instrument).

It's not percussive like a drum or mallet. The point
isn't to imitate but to use the character of the
theremin to create something noisy. I rarely change my
volume range, since drastic dynamics are part of the
style.

My particular version of "therepercussion" is to
create "drum fills" at the end of a 4 or 8 bar
section. This means anything from a fast, wide (often
around a 5th) vibrato that moves toward the antennae,
to long sweeps and "falls" away from the antennae.
Sometimes, I will tap the antennae. Since the
portamento is non-tonal, your mind interprets it as
percussive. Any quick movement of your hand can create
an interesting rhythm.

As I mentioned before, I like to use a big delay when
clubbing, so a fall or tap becomes a rhythmic thing.

It is particularly effective to switch back and forth
between this style and a melodic style.

I feel like I'm divulging a trade secret....I
developed this style while working with house and
drum-n-bass DJs and it made me somewhat popular for a
while, back when I was a part of the scene. I once
opened for Gus Gus, in front of thousands of people
with a light show and go-go dancers. It was, perhaps
my finest show....though now I'm much more
studio-bound.

But my point is that the uses and styles of this
instrument have only begun to be explored! Every noise
you can make with it is valuable.

Peace

C


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