Derek Holzer

Around 2001 he became frustrated with the performance limitations of the computer and began new experiments with all-analog systems. Inspired by the early 20th Century ANS Synthesizer, the Variophone and the Oramics system, Holzer developed electronic and graphical systems for playing light on the overhead projector.

Recent work has included Tonewheels – an experiment in converting graphical imagery to sound, inspired by some of the pioneering 20th Century electronic music inventions. Transparent tonewheels with repeating patterns are spun over light-sensitive electronic circuitry to produce sound and light pulsations and textures. This all-analog set is performed entirely live without the use of computers, using only overhead projectors, performance interface and audience display in order to open up the “black box” of electronic music and video for everyone to see.

Holzer has performed live, improvised electronic music in many venues and festivals in Europe, the US and Brasil and released tracks under the Nexsound, Sirr, and/OAR, Frozen Elephants Music, Mandorla and Gruenrekorder labels.

www.umatic.nl/tonewheels.html