ArcAttack
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ArcAttack is a performance art group that specializes in playing music through a combination of home made, high tech instruments and more traditional instruments such as guitar and bass.[1][2][3]
The main attraction of their performance is the use of two custom built Singing Tesla Coils, which have been modified to play musical notes by modulating their spark output. The group also utilizes a robot drum kit, which is computer controlled via a custom micro controller, that has been programmed to interpret MIDI data and mechanically actuate it's drum sticks accordingly.[4][5]
Aside from the automated musical machines and live performers, ArcAttack also incorporates a stunt man, who MC's the show, and engages the Tesla Coils by walking through the electricity wearing a relatively thin chain mail Faraday suit.[6]
History
In Austin, Texas, late 2005, Joe DiPrima and Oliver Greaves began developing the first generation of Singing Tesla Coils with the help of Steve Ward, a veteran Tesla Coiler from Illinois. The design developed quickly, and after several iterations the instrument reached it's present form.[7]In 2007, Craig Newswanger of Resonance Studios provided the performance with another high tech gadget, a robotic drum kit.[8]All the while, friends around the country were helping generate musical content for the new technology to play. In 2007, John DiPrima, the main contributor of original Tesla coil music, moved down from Chicago to help the process evolve further. In January of 2008, ArcAttack was finally named. Tony Smith, an old friend of the DiPrima's and a guitarist who had been assisting the group since mid 2006, began helping to write some tunes. Later, the group would meet Patrick 'Parsec' Brown, their MC and Faraday Suit stunt man. Another songwriter and old friend, Andrew Mansberger, moved from Seattle to contribute with guitar and keyboards, completing the crew.
Notes
- ^ http://gizmodo.com/5367329/arcattack-lightning+proof-musicians-share-their-tesla-coil-secrets
- ^ http://boingboing.net/2009/02/20/tesla-coils-sing-the.html
- ^ http://www.geeksaresexy.net/2009/02/17/feature-audio-modulated-thunder-music-pleases-thor/
- ^ http://news.cnet.com/8301-13772_3-9921650-52.html
- ^ http://oddstruments.com/arcattacks-musical-tesla-coils-shocking/
- ^ http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090719/ART/707189984
- ^ http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9696332-1.html?tag=mncol
- ^ http://www.resonancestudio.com/craigsblog/?p=322