SPRINGTHING AND SPRING KALIMBA
ELECTRIC SPRING INSTRUMENTS, 2015 AND 2016
GAVIN PRIOR (IE)
Springthing is an electric instrument with springs mounted on a narrow plank. It can be percussive or produce resonant textures. The tightly-wound springs allow Springthing to be played like a fretless bass. The artist, a noise musician/DIY practitioner, uses found objects to both build and play musical instruments. Springthing is also informed by guitarist Keith Rowe who, inspired by Jackson Pollock's floor painting, created a tabletop guitar played with found objects. Springthing is designed to be played while standing with a strap or on a tabletop.
BIO
Gavin, a Dublin-based producer and guitarist, graduated from the University of Limerick with an MA in Music Technology. He has improvised with musicians from around the world including David Lacey, Seán Meehan, Thollem McDonas, Rhodri Davies, Okkyung Lee and Damo Suzuki. He circuit bends and modifies electronic instruments, which can be heard in his recordings with Toymonger and various once-off and intermittent improvisational encounters. He plays acoustic and electric guitar with preparations and extended technique. He has performed throughout Europe, America and Asia. From 2001 to 2005, he performed with the electro-acoustic improv group Murmansk. He is a co-founder of the Deserted Village label.