Exploring Vintage Sounds: Kristen Roos and Laurie Spiegel’s Musical Collaboration
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In the vibrant city of Vancouver, an artist and composer named Kristen Roos has embarked on a remarkable musical journey, bringing together the innovative software created by Laurie Spiegel and the captivating animations of Rune Brink Hansen, aka Spogelsesmaskinen. Roos’s latest album, Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II, features an intriguing track titled “Music Mouse I” which showcases his artistic prowess and pays homage to the era of algorithmic MIDI sequencing software. Accompanied by a visually stunning video, this collaboration takes listeners on a nostalgic trip through time and sound. Join us as we delve into the world of Kristen Roos, Laurie Spiegel, and the magical blend of music and visuals they have crafted, as featured in The Wire 472.
In 2019, composer Kristen Roos stumbled upon a real gem – Laurie Spiegel’s Music Mouse program for Macintosh – on the digital marketplace eBay. Fascinated by the potential of this vintage software, Roos promptly acquired the original floppy disc and began to experiment with it. Along his journey, he even reached out to the program’s creator, engaging in insightful conversations about the software’s nuances and possibilities. It was during this time that Roos realized the transformative power of Music Mouse as a MIDI sequencer on a Macintosh Plus.
“Music Mouse I”, a standout track from Roos’s Universal Synthesizer Interface Vol II, is a testament to his exploration with Music Mouse. In an email interview featured in The Wire 472, Roos shared, “It was an exercise in legato and staccato playing, to create variation in the repetitive sequence used throughout the piece.” Drawing inspiration from the era of algorithmic MIDI sequencing software, the composition showcases an assemblage of instruments and sounds true to that period. Roos skillfully combines 1980s drum machines, a curated collection of historical FM synthesis SysEx files for the Yamaha DX-7, and MIDI-enabled analog synthesizers from that era.
Enhancing the auditory experience of “Music Mouse I” is a mesmerizing video created by Rune Brink Hansen, known by his artistic alias, Spogelsesmaskinen. Hansen’s work exudes a fantastical quality, often transforming vintage screens into portals that lead to other dimensions. The video for “Music Mouse I” takes viewers on a cinematic journey through a suburban village landscape, gradually becoming enveloped by Macintosh icons. The visual transitions elegantly shift from the black and white dithering reminiscent of early Macintosh computers to vibrant colors reminiscent of early 3D animation. Hansen’s visual storytelling harmonizes seamlessly with Roos’s composition, creating an immersive experience that transcends time and space.
For an in-depth exploration of Kristen Roos’s creative process and his collaboration with Laurie Spiegel and Rune Brink Hansen, The Wire 472 features an insightful interview by Robert Barry. In this enlightening conversation, Roos shares further insights into his inspirations, his fascination with vintage sounds, and the intricate details that shaped the creation of “Music Mouse I”. The article delves into the significance of Roos’s work and provides a comprehensive understanding of his artistic journey. Wire subscribers can also access the full article online via the digital library, immersing themselves in the fascinating world of Kristen Roos and his collaborators.
Kristen Roos, the Vancouver-based artist and composer, has crafted a musical masterpiece with his track “Music Mouse I”, seamlessly integrating Laurie Spiegel’s groundbreaking software and Rune.
