Wilhelm Matthies

From Field Noise Records: “Wilhelm Matthies, based in Kenosha, Wisconsin, focuses on developing homemade instruments blending ideas from various world instruments. The purpose is to open performance possibilities that tap into such histories yet reveal the newness of the instrument and the new performance situation. He is, at the same time, developing compositional strategies that both accommodate the non-standard tuning, sonic qualities and playing characteristics of these instruments, but also allow other players to participate with the musical intent using relatively standard instruments. The composed improvisations feature cyclical variations. This compositional strategy thus allows the music to be written, performed, edited and listened to on many metaphoric levels, but always dealing with aspects of the theme of eternal return or impermanence.”

Field Noise Records will release the Wilhelm Matthies recording, RiverFoot-RealityRubs, in the near future.

Matthies creates unique sounds and textures on the Kokeka, an instrument (see above) that he designed and built. He writes, “the central bar allows you to play it as a table instrument; you can approach it from many angles (for bowing, plucking, tapping, etc.)   Photo: All rights reserved-Wilhelm Matthies.