Alex Hetherington
is a visual artist and writer.
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Interview: 10 questions
1.
Question:
When did you start making music, what is/was your motivation to do it?
Answers:
Sound work is usually, in my practice, elements of film or installation or performance projects. Previously I have developed sound work associated with a residency or ongoing body of research. I am working on a project that uses the Wooster Group’s HOUSE/LIGHTS theatre work as a stimulus for a series activities; this includes sound work finding representations of their work online.
2.
Question:
Tell me something about your living environment and the musical education.
Answers:
I have no formal education in sound but have been assisted by sound artists or record producers in the development of work and introductions to sound software.
I currently live between Scotland and Northern California.
3.
Question:
Is making music your profession? What is the context in which you practice music nowadays?
Answers:
Music or sound work is not my profession. I am visual artist. The context of sound work depends on the context and research within the project
4.
Question:
How do you compose or create music or sound? Have you certain principles, use certain styles etc?
Answers:
Sound work has developed in relation to performances, installations or film work and dependent on the desires of the project. I like the idea of creating a disintegrating narrative without any images; the disintegrating narrative is usually based on a belief or a relationship to something or in recent work is in direct relationship to an instruction out with my work. For example taking stage directions or instructions on how something works as the basis of the project.
5.
Question:
Tell me something about the instruments, technical equipment or tools you use?
Answers:
I have used Cubase and Pro Tools and After Effects of a Mac; there are no instruments.
6.
Question:
What are the chances of New Media for the music production in general
and you personally?
Answers:
Don’t understand the question.
7.
Question:
How about producing and financing your musical productions?
Answers:
My work is financed through residencies and commissioned projects usually in education; for instance I am now developing a performance live art project and video installation with a group of young performance students. I have also received additional funding from the Scottish Arts Council to further my research.
8.
Question:
Do you work individually as a musician/soundartist or in a group or collaborative?
If you have experience in both, what is the difference, what do you prefer?
Answers:
I work mainly on my own with assistance from other artists or technicians; I have collaborated on a specific sound project and enjoyed this work immensely. I don’t see a difference and have no preference – it is dependent on the nature of the work.
9.
Question:
Is there any group, composer, style or movement which has a lasting influence on making music?
Answers:
Steve Reich, autechre, Scritti Politti, Boards of Canada, Sylvester, disco track with talking, Einstein on the Beach, Matmos, The Beach Boys, Shalamar, Kraftwerk.
10.
Question:
What are your future plans or dreams as a soundartist or musician?
Answers:
I have no specific plans but I am certainly interested in developing more work in sound. But I know my limitations.
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List some links & resources
http://www.hellothisisalex.com/alectricaudio/releases_alectricity_02.htm
http://www.tele-art.org
http://www.alexhetherington.com
http://www.axisweb.org/seCVPG.aspx?ARTISTID=10819