Public Research Seminar: Sam Underwood

Public Research seminar: Sam Underwood

Exploring the music making and performance affordances of ams, a new acoustic modular musical machine, featuring a human agent.

What would an acoustic modular synth look and sound like?

Through the design, creation and use of a new and unique acoustic modular musical instrument system, entitled ams [æmz], this research makes the case for developing new musical instruments as a means of generating fresh opportunities for creative expression and novel repertoire, in a way that is less burdened by established habits and working practices. ams adheres to modular synth standards but with all sounds expressed and shaped physically and acoustically. The outcomes herein consist of the system itself—sixteen MU/5U modules across four module cases—presented module by module, along with compositions and performances used to identify the system’s music making affordances in both studio and live settings.

Through the development and use of ams, a wholly new way of engaging in music making and live performance was established. Though modular acoustic and electro-acoustic multi-instrument systems are not unheard of, such an explicitly ‘acoustic modular synth’ is novel in its form and uses.

When considered alongside the work presented by pioneers in the field at the event series Soundings, which I organised and curated as part of this research, the inexorable link between an instrument’s design and its affordances was clearly demonstrated.

The experimental and feedbacky methodology I employ is explored through both text and work-in-progress videos and can be seen to underpin my processes across design, prototyping, testing, recording and live performance; through continual revision. This is a relentlessly inquisitive whole system practice-research approach where everything is intertwined and self-referential. Mine is a reflective practice where process and outcome enjoy parity. Where findings remain fluid rather than solid. More adjective than noun.

Presented in a media-rich hybrid form, including text, video and audio recordings, I expose the processes and outcomes of my research in a way that befits its sonic and visual immediacy, with the aim of inspiring the adoption of similar approaches; seeding new creative practices and sound works.

Sam Underwood is an experimental musician and musical instrument designer. His work explores the act of creating new musical instruments as a route to establishing fresh opportunities for creative expression. This seminar takes place one week before Sam's PhD viva and he will present the instrument system he created over the past four years as a means of interrogating this.

Running time approx. one hour and 30 minutes