The official project website can be found here, but for the time being here's a little info...
The street fashion side project, Asphalt Runway, I am most definitely going to indulge in can be found here.
Musicians Conner Finn, Daniel Finn, and writer Rachel Fields will leave in May of 2010 to study the structure and cultural history of six types of American music in the most quintessentially American way—a road trip in a 1954 Chevrolet. For one year they will make their homes, for one month each, in towns with distinct musical flavors such as industrial Detroit, MI, rural Whitesburg, KY, and southern Slidell, LA.
The street fashion side project, Asphalt Runway, I am most definitely going to indulge in can be found here.
Musicians Conner Finn, Daniel Finn, and writer Rachel Fields will leave in May of 2010 to study the structure and cultural history of six types of American music in the most quintessentially American way—a road trip in a 1954 Chevrolet. For one year they will make their homes, for one month each, in towns with distinct musical flavors such as industrial Detroit, MI, rural Whitesburg, KY, and southern Slidell, LA.
Prior to embarking they contacted a regional musical organization in each area to find an accomplished local musician with whom to apprentice for the duration of their stay. Under the tutelage of their teacher they will learn the techniques and folk songs that are part of that particular genre, while also delving into the area history through interviews, research at historical societies, and attending performances.Mid-century Modernist designer, Charles Eames once stated:
Toys are not really as innocent as they look.
Toys and games are preludes to serious ideas.
Toys and games are preludes to serious ideas.
The same holds true for music, in that play and experimentation are vital means of creation. Conner, Dan, and Rachel will engage in improvisational sessions with each musical tutor and additional local musicians they meet during their stay. Improvisation is a creative activity that combines performance with communication of emotions and instrumental technique, and spontaneous response to other musicians. The most direct non-verbal communication happens between members of a band in the midst of improvisation. Through Imperchorstra, which stands for Improvisational Percussion Orchestra, they wish to replicate the same interaction with the local musicians as they try to experience regional music and culture through rhythmic improvisation.
As a result of the project timeline Imperchorstra will focus on just six of the many genres of American music.
- Native American music—Taos, New Mexico
- Country—Whitesburg, Kentucky
- Electronica—Detroit, Michigan
- Blues—Durham, North Carolina
- Latin—Miami, Florida
- Jazz—Slidell, Louisiana