- MATTHIAS SCHNEIDERBANGER
“This year, we've already performed in a bank, a library, a cinema and even a church. And these places always lead to new musical approaches and different styles of music.” Patrick adds, “I also think a lot of nonmusical inspires us a lot, like Internet culture, generative animation, graphics and movies in general............................... “Every one of us has a different musical background and taste, which plays a role in finding a sound.”
Improvisations and tests are clearly elements that make the Mandelbrots tick during rehearsal, as they build and expand their landscapes through their agreeable, complimentary sounds. “Improvisational possibilities are huge in theory”, says Patrick. “In live coding practices, there's always time as a very limiting factor.” Juan agrees, “the possibilities are limited by knowledge, the typing speed and the performance time. But I would say mostly, it would be knowledge......... “How well can you imagine sounds and write them into code, how well can you know your instrument.............................. “I've had experiences where errors and glitches took me to a different goal as the one I intended, but I liked that more than my original idea, and kept using that mistake in my favour!” he says.
However, surely there's a possibility that experimentation with laptops could lead to the risk of some sort of computer rebellion? After constantly being told what to do! It seems as though Matthias has also considered this idea. “In summer 2010, I faced this subject with a piece where the interpreters of live coded music
“I hope the machines will include us in their curriculum on Human Music History!”, adds Patrick.
With little over a month to go until Network Music Festival, Juan expects that the Mandelbrot set will bring a “broad audience” to Birmingham. He continues, “ we expect the people to get interested in programming music, or to see the programming also as a musical/performative activity and not something you do in your room in the dark.” Patrick adds, “Internet makes it possible that you never feel isolated with your work, as there is so much exchange. But you can never underestimate physical presence and seeing all these people performing live at one festival is a really big thing.” And what are Benoit and the Mandelbrots plans for the future? “I would like to make a world tour”, says Matthias. “And a gig in space would be cool!”
Fourth member Holger Ballweg agrees, “Yes, space would be sweet.................... “Sirius or this new found ExoPlanet comes to mind....” By Ross Cotton Glitches by Antonio Roberts
- PATRICK BORGEAT
“Some of us hear a 'beauty' kind of electronic music, others like it more 'noisy' or 'glitchy', others like more soft and ambient music, and all of it has an impact in our music”, adds Juan. “We also try to be as versatile as possible and try different genres.”
were human again..................................... “They had headphones on with live coded music, and had to reproduce the heard sounds with their voice for the audience. But generally, it is not a real problem for me to use the computer as an interpreter.............................................. “I am more concerned about the role of the loudspeakers”, he says. “We force them all the time to do even self-damaging sounds. I could even make a piece where the loudspeaker is insulting itself. It's not okay”, says Matthias, who feels very disconcerted.
“I HOPE THE MACHINES WILL INCLUDE US IN THEIR CURRICULUM ON HUMAN MUSIC HISTORY!”
“A GIG IN SPACE WOULD BE COOL!”
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