Tech
Listen To The Ghosts Of Old Telephones With This Modular
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Ever considered how our idea of what sounds “futuristic” emerged out of technology that by today’s standards would be considered arcane? Brooklyn artist, musician and DJ Lori Napoleon (who also has a record out on L.I.E.S as Antenes) challenges these historical oddities by building her synthesizer modules using old switchboard parts dating from the 1920s to the 1960s. Noticing the structural similarities between modular synthesis interfaces and that of old telephone switchboards, Napoleon compounded the “disembodied voices, blinking lights and machinic sounds” of both the music and communication technologies into one awesome system. Watch above to see how she can conjure the ghosts of old telephones onto stage.
If you think home telephones are too passé, then check out how to build one out of a watermelon instead.
