November 2k1 : switchless V2.0.

The Funeral Parlour, Streatham, London

The momentum of switchless was starting to really pick up by now and the decision was taken to make the hardware used to create our spaces more modular. This would mean we could setup a switchless without the days involved at the previous TAA. We felt this suited the temporary nature of our spaces and allowed us to create a switchless space more easily and therefore display our ideas more regularly.

Continuing the theme of recycling everyday technology to express ourselves, we switchified an old computer. The obsolete PC hardware was ripped out of the case and we were left with a familiar object to corrupt. Sound sources were installed inside the case along with a strobe light and the regular metal sides were punctured with a nail, allowing the light to escape in a multitude of beams. Switches were then secured to the front of case allowing the user to control the sound coming from the case and also turn on the light. The finishing touch was some LED's secured betwen the switches on the front which drew the users attention to the module when it was placed in a darkened room. This module became uniquely attractive and also a comment on the interaction between man and everyday machines.

We were so happy with this box that we decided to continue this theme of bastardising everyday objects. The second module created for this installation was constructed in a similar way, this time using an old mini system hifi - a very familiar object to almost everyone. The process of construction was similar to that of the first module. The mass produced internal electronics were removed and in their place sound sources were installed. These were controlled by switches attached to the front of the box and we also repowered the old turntable on the top of the module. Users were then left with a choice, is this object the mini system which I believe it to be or something different.

Of course sonically the piece was challenging, but the crowd being pitchless regulars they were well up for it. The majority of the sounds were provided by the Capybara. The sounds were being mangled and processed live so the snippets don' really do justice to what was coming out of the speakers, especially when people realised they could get some control over it. To get an idea of what it sounded like check out these bits:

 
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David mK
David mK
David mK
David mK
 

 

The installation of these modules was considerably easier than the building work required for the first switchless, the entire space was setup in a matter of hours and at the end of the display we could take away our work for the next installation. One big advantage of the modules was that they could be spread throughout the room and then connected to a central soundsystem, giving us more scope for mixing the noise and therefore more control over what people had to play with. Although the space was smaller than our first it was equally satisfying and complemented the pitchless soundsystem room next door. We were particularly happy to attract a reasonable crowd on a Sunday night and both rooms amused those who made their way to the building.