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~Creative Commons BY-NC-ND license. 6 edo ambient composition Harmonic Series - un-octave-reduced metallic performance re-composition subharmonic series trans-tuned

Three Pieces Derived From a Bowed Metal Plate

IMG_5233 Metal plate used to perform seen in vise and clamped to workbench.


They Ripped my Metal Heart Apart is a composition for bowed metal plate. The plate was held in a vise that was clamped to a work bench and three recordings were made each with a different clamping point of the plate. The sound was recorded via piezo pickup on bench and microphone in room. Post processing consisted of delay, reverb and panning with slight compression of the master.


The Space Between the Atoms for bowed gamelan in harmonic series / subharmonic series tuning using pitches derived from the original metal plate performance. Sonar X3 was used to extract the pitches and convert them to midi. The extracted pitches were transposed down by an octave. Significant “JI Growl” occurs through out the piece.


A Strange Orchestra is a trans-tuned 6 edo version of the original metal plate performance using melodyne single track to process the recording. At about 3 minutes in the sound becomes (to my ears) orchestral and far removed from the harshness of the original bowed metal plate performance.

2 replies on “Three Pieces Derived From a Bowed Metal Plate”

You have created a new category of danger music! Economic Danger Music! I quote from the linked article ” Japanese noise band Hanatarash were notable for their dangerous live shows, the most famous instance being when vocalist Yamantaka Eye drove a bulldozer through the venue at the back of the stage. There were also reports of audience members being required to fill out waivers before shows to prevent the band or the venue being sued in case of any potential danger caused to them.”

Oh my! Listening to this last night really inspired me today! I discovered the safe at the restaurant I work at makes a phenomenal bowed metal sound, whose variety of extreme pitches I explored until I was ordered to stop by my manager. It very much improved my day. Hopefully I can make a recording to share.

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