Poemophone Series

These sound sculptures are experimental musical instruments based on the mbira. The 26 keys of the typewriter are replaced with hand-forged steel prongs that are tuned to sound when plucked. Each Poemophone´s tuning system is unique & derived from `Outlaw´ tuning systems, meaning that intervals between tones are irregular. Because each instrument in the series has its own unique tuning system a text composed on one will sound different when played on another. I am hybridizing these forms (mbira/typewriter) to juxtapose two distinct systems of composing – tuning systems and alphabets – in order to play with the voicing of meaning. The instruments are to sound the thing described; playing language as a physical force. I sent Poemophones to specific collaborators and invited each to compose and collaborate in performance.

Listen to audio samples below.