The Italian sound artist & percussionist details the origin and methodology of the Drummophone and the process behind his sonic collaboration with emptyset's James Ginzburg.
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Today, the Spotlight shines On Modena, Italy-based sound artist and percussionist Riccardo La Foresta.
Riccardo has spent the last several years exploring the Drummophone—an array of bass drums that create sound by being confronted with compressed air and which, in turn, produce complex acoustic drones. By combining the Drummophone with other electro-acoustic devices and changes in the air pressure in the room where it is set up, a generative system results, one that can create endless possibilities in sound.
In this engaging conversation, we discussed Riccardo's musical journey, his experimentation in percussion, and his exploration of new techniques and approaches to drumming. We also got into the evolution of drums and percussion instruments, the influence of acoustics on composition, and the potential for drumming education in conservatory settings.
(The musical excerpts heard in the interview are from Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg's album Six and Forty-Six)
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0:00 Introduction to Riccardo La Foresta and the Drummophone
2:11 La Foresta's early musical journey
6:18 The evolution from traditional drumming to experimental techniques
9:05 The search for a unique sound and approach
11:28 Questioning the role of drums as percussion instruments
15:09 The history and development of the modern drum kit
18:58 Genesis and evolution of the Drummophone
23:08 The Drummophone as a generative instrument
28:36 La Foresta's approach to performance and audience interaction
33:10 Transition from musician to sound artist
35:48 Collaboration with James Ginzburg
39:04 Discussion of the album tracks "6" and "46"
43:49 Closing remarks
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Visit Riccardo La Foresta at https://www.riccardolaforesta.com
Purchase Riccardo La Foresta & James Ginzburg's Six and Forty-Six on Qobuz → https://www.qobuz.com/us-en/album/six-and-forty-six-riccardo-la-foresta/nx3e3azbwefbc
or Bandcamp → https://riccardolaforestajamesginzburg.bandcamp.com/album/six-and-forty-six
and listen on [your streaming platform of choice → https://songwhip.com/riccardolaforesta/six-and-fortysix
Follow Riccardo La Foresta on Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/riccardo.laforesta
and YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCe4qbpiOa5H0W4gd0a0DrOw
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