Bill Thompson is a sound artist and composer. His work is concerned with various aspects of perception and embodied presence. Using found objects, field recordings, repurposed electronics and digital media, his installations encourage active attention to each moment. He applies this same strategy within his compositions which often include sustained tones, densely layered textures and indeterminate or improvised structures.
Although trained as a guitarist, Thompson has worked primarily with live electronics for 20 years. In 2016, he returned to guitar (by Moog) combined with miscellaneous tabletop devices, found objects, flashing lights and the occasional vibrator. His work has been released on Ash International, Burning Harpsichord Records, Mikroton Records, State Sanctioned Records, and/Oar, Autumn Leaves, Phonography and several compilations. Notable recent performances and installations include the Venice Biennal (2020/21), Pauline Oliveros Tribute (Café Oto 2018), Intraspect Concert 2018, Edinburgh Fringe (2016-2018), NAWR 2017, Sonic Atlas 2017, Organ Reframed 2016 (Installation), What Remains Festival 2016, Sound Festival 2016.
“Black Earth Tongue” is based on material composed when working on the project Mushroom! with the contemporary dance group In the Making for the Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016. Track titles are taken from (mis)translations of Japanese or Latin names for various fungi.
credits
released December 3, 2021
All tracks composed by Bill Thompson. Recorded in 2016 and mixed/mastered in 2020 at Rearview Studios. Original tracks developed in preparation for Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2016 with the In The Making Collective. Illustration: Heitor Alvelos – abodyoffractures.wordpress.com
Istanbul sound artist and industrial designer Kunsf transforms everyday objects into granular synthesis on this contemplative new LP. Bandcamp New & Notable Mar 8, 2022
A perfectly matched cassette split between Yves Malone's beat-driven atmospheric synths and Grapefruit's burbling hearts of space. Bandcamp New & Notable Nov 29, 2017
Lebanese multi-instrumentalist deconstructs classical tropes through an eccentric array of instruments, including disassembled toy pianos. Bandcamp New & Notable Sep 22, 2022
supported by 7 fans who also own “Black Earth Tongue”
I love it that I have to work myself through all thse layers of sounds and noises to get to the music - and of couse, these ARE the music. Listening to Philip Jeck's albums is challenging and at the same time utterly touching. And this fine collaboration is no exception. Sven