Australysis - Dualling

Acclaimed Australian ensemble austraLYSIS’ Dualling encapsulates a vibrant interplay between diverse musical elements, exploring the dynamic interactions between acoustic and electroacoustic sounds, live manipulation, and improvised and composition. The ensemble, led by founder Roger Dean, features renowned artists Hazel Smith (texts, text performer), saxophonist Sandy Evans, trumpeter Phil Slater, and electronic artist Greg White.

Dualling represents a groundbreaking advance in the ensemble’s rich history, focusing on the integration of pre-recorded, edited electroacoustic (ea) sounds with live improvisation. The album reflects the ensemble's fascination with the creation of new sounds and structures, inspired by the relationship between scientific and artistic processes. Every piece on Dualling centres around the interaction of two elements, a theme that resonates throughout the album.

The concept for Dualling evolved from the ensemble's shared ambition to generate a sonic field that fluidly shifts from familiar acoustic instruments to heavily contrasted sound combinations. The recording process was an open and responsive collaboration, with every austraLYSIS participant contributing to its creation. A pivotal aspect of the album involved montaging and editing by Roger Dean and mixing and mastering by Greg White.

The 'Dualling' album projects a dynamic sound palette, showcasing outstanding instrumental performances intertwined with intriguing electroacoustic sounds, complex multilayering, and music that spans from exhilarating to calming and contemplative. With the support of Gilfillan Soundworks, the ensemble was able to successfully merge traditional improvising expectations with algorithmic control, creating a unique and immersive musical experience.

Founded in the UK by Roger Dean during his post-graduate studies at Cambridge University, austraLYSIS moved to Sydney in 1988. The ensemble has since been a driving force in the field of sonic intermedia, composing and improvising for both sound and multimedia projects. The ensemble's unique composition of internationally acclaimed composers, improvisers, writers, video artists, and computer musicians has enabled them to perform in 30 countries and produce 30 CDs, 8 commissioned radio works, and over 250 original works.

Roger Dean, the ensemble's founder, is a leading figure in the field of music cognition and computation. His diverse musical background includes performing internationally as a bassist, pianist, and laptop computer artist for many acclaimed groups. Hazel Smith, an Emeritus Professor in the Writing and Society Research Centre at Western Sydney University, brings her talents as a poet, performer, and new media artist to the ensemble. Sandy Evans, a globally recognized saxophonist and composer, adds her passion for improvisation and new music to the group. Phil Slater, influential  trumpeter and composer, lends his wide-ranging musical experiences to austraLYSIS. Greg White, a performer, composer, producer, and programmer, contributes his extensive creative expertise to the ensemble.

With the release of 'Dualling', austraLYSIS hopes to engage audiences in a captivating auditory journey that is both stimulating and moving. The ensemble continues to push the boundaries of sonic intermedia, reaffirming their commitment to exploring new territories in sound and music.

• Personell

  Roger Dean - piano, computer, pre-composed electroacoustic sound
  Sandy Evans - saxophones
  Phil Slater - trumpet
  Hazel Smith - text, text performer
  Greg White - computer, virtual drums/bass, virtual strings