Dissolution GripKMRU (KE/DE)

octophonic, 2023

Dissolution Grip develops from the idea of recorded places and how the physical integration of spaces opens up possibilities for subtle movement, stillness, noise and silence. Integration here refers to the way in which places influence the listener’s engagement with the sounds — but also to the attention paid to the recorded places, their inhabitants, and the process of their making. Exploring a creative approach to field recordings, the reflected positions of spaces are reified through the use of waveforms as transient movements unfolding over time. Using waveforms as sites of field recording allows for attention to occurrences, thus deploying perceptual experiences that bring spaces to the foreground and become audibly alive — a deeper interaction with spaces and sound that is often denied, often neglected. Impulses and recording patterns are glued together with long, endless, still yet changing tones, which reinforce the orientation of the listeners’ space and time. A blanket effect that allows an embodied experience — where waveforms evoke an unfolding of new sounds through time and perceptual listening.

KMRU (KE/DE)

Joseph Kamaru, aka KMRU, is a Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist whose work is grounded in the discourse of field recording, noise, and sound art. His work posits expanded listening cultures of sonic thoughts and sound practices — a proposition to consider and reflect on auditory cultures beyond the norms. An awareness of surroundings through creative compositions, installations, and performances. He has earned international acclaim with performances across diverse international venues such as the Barbican, Berlin Atonal, CTM festival, Dekmantel, Le Guess Who? and Tramway. His critically acclaimed releases have appeared on labels like Editions Mego, Subtext, Seil Records, and his own imprint, OFNOT. In 2022, he supported Big Thief on their UK/EU tour and toured the US with Fennesz. He is a SHAPE artist, received an honorary mention at Prix Ars Electronica 2023, and holds an MA in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts. KMRU has carved out a serious and definitive place among the essential authors in ambient-experi- mental music — one of the most prolific and innovative artists in his field.

kmru.info