Obviously, Leon Theremin is the guy who has encouraged me more than ever to make my own experimental music, simply because he invented my favourite instrument. I just love it's alluring, magnificent, yet extremely creepy combination of sounds. While the whole concept of not actually touching the device to make music made it even more intriguing. And to think this instrument was invented in the 1920's, it still sounds more futuristic and fresher than any other device I have ever heard!
Though it wasn't Leon himself who I first heard playing it. It was actually Birmingham-based band Pram in 2006, who I have adored for a very long time. I'd never heard of a Theremin before I went to see them live. Witnessing their Thereminist Harry Dawes performing before my very eyes intoxicated me. I became obsessed with it's sweet/disturbing violin/female vocal sound, immediately falling in love with the instrument.
Ever since that day, I hunted for the instrument, resulting in the Moog website unable to ship them from America :( But luck struck me when Moog came to the NEC, now known as the LG arena, Birmingham. I became one happy person that day, immediately snapping up the Theremin for £199. Nearly four years later and I'm still playing and learning, becoming inspired by all who play the amazing Theremin.
Ever since that day, I hunted for the instrument, resulting in the Moog website unable to ship them from America :( But luck struck me when Moog came to the NEC, now known as the LG arena, Birmingham. I became one happy person that day, immediately snapping up the Theremin for £199. Nearly four years later and I'm still playing and learning, becoming inspired by all who play the amazing Theremin.
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| Left to right, vocalist Rosie Cuckston and thereminist Harry Dawes from Pram. In which I photographed at The Custard Factory, Birmingham, in 2006. |
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