artist we just stole a car

http://vimeo.com/34453720
 

we just stole a car is a gangsterimental mostly-musical-multi-media ensemble based in Vancouver, BC. The group was designed as an outlet for creative expression without allegiance to specific medium, form or genre. It created the opportunity for Vancouver-based artists to work together in multi-disciplinary projects regardless of size, complexity or obscurity. We just stole a car began as a duo comprised of composer/multi-instrumentalist John Mutter, and bassist Peter Kim in 2006. The duo released its first full-length CD "a" independently in 2007. The album's soundscapes suggested scenes of urban construction, deconstruction, order, chaos and mechanical malfunction. The album toyed with digital processing and the creation of new sounds. We just stole a car released BARN in 2008 with the help of three new musicians (Kevin Romain, Dominic Conway, and Richard Shaffer.) The album combined through-composed material with free improvisation and traded digital processing and urban references for concrete sound and the simple sonic exploration of various instruments. 2011 brings a new project for the group entitled CHAT TAMBOUR.

CHAT TAMBOUR >>>>>>>the 2011/2012 project for we just stole a car
>>>>> CHAT TAMBOUR is a selection of new material written by John Mutter and members of we just stole a car based on Indonesian gamelan music. The gangsterimental post-gamelan project utilizes a new system of performance which allows any performer, conductor, or even audience member to influence the way in which material is performed. There are no set rules for which pieces are performed, in which order they are presented, in what manor each section of each piece is played, or if each piece is played in it's entirety. These decisions are made entirely in the moment with the help of specific hand signals and cues. This allows the each performance to be completely unique and tailored to the room and atmosphere in which the group is performing.

>>>>> Just like in gamelan music, each instrument of the ensemble may be slightly de-tuned in order to achieve the "beating" effect characteristic of gamelan music. Pitched junk and various percussion instruments will play a large role in the performance of the new material.

>>>>> All pieces were written with the process of design in mind, utilizing ideas and theories that apply to visual composition and 3D construction. The music briefly references traditional musical theories, such as tonality, atonality, and serialism, in a sarcastic manner.