Music Tech Monday: Mechanical gear enables one-man band to play metal

Tristan Shone has formulated an innovative way to make music without using run-of-the-mill instruments. The music is literally “metallic,” not only in genre, but also in the materials that the gear is made from. Shone invented musical gizmos that emit metal-infused sounds by using actual metal, aluminum, copper, and steel components.

Shone’s daily trade takes place at the National Center for Microscopy and Imaging Research , where he constructs customized add-ons for electron microscopes. During his off-hours from the Center, he enjoys inventing gadgets and writing music for his one-man band, Author & Punisher. For this endeavor, he has designed and actuated all the devices himself, using a compilation of Arduino-powered devices that he calls “dub machines.” He has been creating these gadgets since the early 2000s.

These electronically musical devices he uses to create metal have worked swimmingly to emit beats, loops, and sounds. The “Rack and Pinion” machine resembles a keyboard where he manipulates the sound by sliding the six velocity-sensitive keys around on pipes coated with Teflon. He plays Rack and Pinion with his left hand, while his right hand works the hand pumps on “Rails,” an instrument that slides like a trombone, or “Big Knobs,” another steel instrument. While all of this activity is occurring, Shone sings or beatboxes into eight microphones named “Headgear.” The modulating face masks act like MIDI controllers, relying on the electronic gadgets to alter the vocals to sound more synthesized and machine-like. The three masks, Mute, Dither, and Gate, are worn onstage by Shone as hands-free devices during performances.

All of these mechanical instruments send output to Ableton Live, a software music sequencer and digital audio workstation. When Shone plays live, he sets up the device to record loops and rhythms that are played back to perform over. Shone has to monitor all wires used to ensure they don’t pop out of place during performances.

Shone will be taking his show on the road later this year.

Story via Tristan Shone.com, Wired