An interview with Mark Kleback
Marimba Automation is a mechanical musical sequencer run by giant wooden gears. It will be on view throughout the festival and during lWlVl Gallery hours on 8/23 from 11:00AM to 4:30PM
And now an interview with Mark!
What was your inspiration for Marimba Automation?
I built this piece because I've been making things with motors lately and CNC gears were always beautiful to me, aesthetically. So I wanted to build something that used CNC gears to play mechanical music. The most rudimentary musical sequencer I could think of. I was also inspired by this video:
Where the polyrhythms were formed by different sized gears. To build a polyrhythmic tempo without a computer or any sort of complex circuitry was a challenge that I wanted to tackle.
What are you listening to right now?
The music I listen to is heavily inspired by the bands that play at Death By Audio, since I'm frequently involved at the venue. I've had Parquet Courts and Protomartyr on heavy rotation this summer. I love the William Onyeabor record. I also had the opportunity to catch my roommate's solo performance Matchesse last night, which involved tape loops and haunting vocal melodies. Really really good stuff.
If you could play or install with anyone right now, who would it be?
Well some of my favorite artists right now are Aaron Koblin, Tristan Perich, the Babycastles guys, Peter Edwards of Casper Electronics, Pat Spadine, Brian Chippendale, and Dan Friel. So many amazing musicians and sound artists to choose from.
Who are you excited to see at lWlVl?
As far as lwlvl goes, I'm stoked to install with Phil Stearns and Rosa Menkman. I've been a fan of both of their work for a long time, and it's really an honor to get to show something alongside such brilliant artists.
Do you have any advice for anyone visiting NYC for the festi?
Oh man where to begin: DIY venues like Death By Audio, Silent Barn, Secret Project Robot, Shea Stadium. Galleries like Pioneer Works and Knockdown Center.
Of course, the Jeff Koons exhibit at the Whitney. The new Babycastles gallery on 14th street. I'm sure there's a bunch more I can't think of off of the top of my head.