Flight03 Jul 22
Flight is finally happening... Read on for performance dates and to hear about the myriad...
Propellor is a cross-genre ensemble with an ambitious vision.
Soloists, writers and ensemble players have come together from a diverse range of backgrounds to create immersive live experiences through combined art forms.
Q & A with Robin Beatty (live projections for Loom)
We caught up with Propellor guitarist Robin Beatty to chat about his approach to creating the animated projections for Loom, ahead of it going on tour...
Why are the visuals in "Loom" on the floor?
We realised that it was important that accompanying visuals must function to draw the focus in the space rather than disperse it. The idea of having the projection onto the centreof the floor creates a focal point and an unusual perspective as each audience member’s view is different; there’s no top or bottom. It pulls the attention to a common point. Wewanted the imagery to be textural and abstract leaving plenty of space for the listener’simagination. Many of the images are symbolic of natural textures which reflect the themes we move through in the music, and most of these have a natural home on the ground rather than the wall.
How did the visuals evolve over the production period?
The visuals have gone through several iterations throughout the development period, mostly embracing a more sparing use of colour, and awareness of the effect of no visuals too! Sense of space is really important in this show; the surround sound installation and multi-channel effects, the visuals and even the way the musicians are placed all contribute to the sense of an exploration of the space. I hope the visuals can draw the audience both in and around the performance space and encourage them to explore the sound-worldwe’re creating.
Does your work as a musician change the way you approach an image?
Certainly! And I think it goes both ways. I think sense of narrative, rhythm and texture and the sense of building, holding and releasing tension are common to both and can inform each other.
You'll be triggering the visuals live in performance, is this difficult while playing guitar?
There are 14 cue points throughout so I’ve split the sections up carefully so that I’m never too busy with my instrument to make the cue!
You can get in touch to find out more about Robin's fantastic work here at esk-creative.uk
