FOLKTEK ARTS

Time Machine ver.4

2011-11-25T11:38:00.000-08:00

delay/sampler based work by Arius Blaze

on the site here;
http://folktek.com/instruments/time/time-machine-ver4

Elysian Drum Scape

2011-11-03T13:38:00.000-07:00

The Elysian is capable of everything the other drum scapes are - with exactly the same oscillators and delay, but Voltage Control (1/8" CV) has been added to integrate into other analog systems/cv sequencers. Control over the oscillators as well as the delay time.
The boxes are oak, the lamps glow white, 1/4" output jack, 5x 1/8" cv jacks, control over delay time (from extremely notated tight to about 1.5 seconds with near infinite repeat for loops), control over each of the oscillators with custom brass keys for each, 2 custom lamps glow warm white, custom switches for delay time and drum mode (3 modes).
to see/buy the Elysian on folktek.com go here;
http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/elysian-drum-scape

For more info, videos, sounds and examples of other drum scapes, go here;
http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/drum-scape-overview

Impressionist Drum Scape Xii

2011-11-03T13:34:00.000-07:00

Built on commission by Arius Blaze - bangala bass and sweet drone synth. more info on folktek.com

Update; The buyer (Justin Morgan) who just received this, posted a recording on sound cloud; DrumScape 01 by Justin Morgan
check it out

cut the record the cut

2011-10-23T12:44:00.000-07:00

Record Cutter (Lathe) constructed by me (Arius Blaze). The plinth (box) and top panel are creamy and delicious walnut with oak splines, DB meter to check incoming level, heated stylus with milla-amp meter and adjustment control, stand-off motor with adjustable belt tension, built-on heat lamp, rek-o-kut cutterhead assembly with freshly re-wound Audax cutterhead, cork covered platter, antique silver ins and connections and all cloth covered cables.
First cuts have proven successful.
This will be used in the production of short run record releases for my upcoming label "Folktek Records" - be on the lookout.

Constant Gardening

2011-09-15T11:33:00.000-07:00

Earlier Luminist Garden by Arius Blaze being played Japanese style in London. A very nice song and desktop performance - I'm into it and suggest at the very least a listen. Posted on youtube by fraki1508 then posted on the folktek site players club page.

The Feedback Harp IV

2011-09-12T14:18:00.000-07:00

The Feedback Harp is a collaborative work by Arius Blaze and Ben Houston designed to create an electronic atmosphere based on an acoustic source, capable of feeding back into enormous swells of electronic noise or sweet subtlety. The on-board sound can be sampled, looped, altered and generally f*kt up in unimaginable ways and/or external sound can be fed into the belly of the beast. This piece was built into a suitcase provided by the buyer.

for more info on the feedback harp, including videos, photos of older harps and sounds, check the electrocoustic section of the folktek site; http://folktek.com/instruments/electrocoustic

New Bug Work

2011-09-06T11:30:00.000-07:00

New Bug work available!

Folktek all over this isht

2011-08-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

http://www.circleintosquare.com/artist/big-pauper
Hey all, this is Drew with Folktek and I just finished an album for Fake Four/Circle Into Square that features a plethora of Folktek instruments buried in it. Thought you might be interested in checking it out. Featured are various incarnations of the bug, the time machine, both modified omnichord models and various elements from the Folktek Collection Vol. 1 for Kontakt. "Beyond My Means" is available from the link above. Only in 30 sec sample form, but I'll throw up the full thing streaming on bandcamp soon. Free tracks on the net at: http://rcrdlbl.com/2011/03/22/download_big_pauper_big_sick http://www.chroniqueselectroniques.net/article-compilation-chroniques-electroniques-beat-abstraction-75916776.html Hope you enjoy and cheers, bp http://djpz.com

This is video I made for my track "the Stale Breath of 1000 Lucrative Club Bangers." The video features a plethora of circuit bent video pieces I have made (http://djpz.com). The track features extensive use of the Pendulum Translator (bug family) and Ben's modified omnichord for the textural elements in the second half. Check it out and if you like it please pass it along;
The Stale Breath of 1000 Lucrative Club Bangers

Illuminists Garden

2011-08-04T16:11:00.000-07:00

This is the expanded Luminist Garden - an enormous body of sound from micro acoustics - also featuring an audio input with balance control.

Where the luminist is an expansion of the Micro Garden, this illuminists Garden takes the Luminist a step further, consequently becoming the next step in the evolution of the garden series.

The illuminists garden features an added circuit - a duplicate of the "wave reverb" in the Luminist but additionally adds options for each wave reverb to act as an analog style delay instead, adding a huge dimension of wave possibilities for sweet choral drone or added depth to acoustic micro beats. The original delay in the Micro and Luminist Gardens is still present with delays from micro-notated tight to roughly 1.5 seconds.

The 1/4" input allows you to send any audio signal in and balance it with the internal pickup of the sound board to use the Illuminist as a standalone processor or mix the external sound with that of the soundboard.

More info can be found on folktek.com, direct link; http://folktek.com/instruments/electrocoustic/illuminists-garden

info on the original luminist Garden, including sounds and video can be found here; http://folktek.com/instruments/electrocoustic/luminist-garden

Luminist Garden with Modular System

2011-08-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

By Klirrfaktor. Nice integration into his synth world;

Impressionist Drum Scape Xi

2011-05-28T11:28:00.001-07:00

Drum Scape by Arius Blaze = antique drums and sweet drone. This piece is currently ready to go;

http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/impressionist-drum-scape-xi

usual wait time is 6-8 weeks. This one's available by happenstance.
read, hear, see more about the drum scape series here;
http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/drum-scape-overview

New Bug Work

2011-05-24T13:25:00.000-07:00

New Bug work available: Built into beautiful old double hinging box. Magnetic patchbay and all the glitch you can shake a stick at. Available via ebay

Impressionist Drum Scape X

2011-05-05T16:15:00.000-07:00

Another of the Drum Scape series - antique bass and sweet drone. This piece was built and shipped to Atlanta to be on a new television show. Filming apparently took place in Cee Lo's studio and Biz Markie's studio. There are a couple flicks up of the Biz studio scene with this piece and a Luminist Garden.

After being returned it is currently good to go to a new home, available here;

http://folktek.com/instruments/for_sale

More info, sounds and videos of the Drum Scapes here;

http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/drum-scape-overview

Sentient Drum Scape

2011-05-04T16:20:00.000-07:00

A new Drum Scape by Arius Blaze built on commission.

videos, photos and sounds up on the site;

folktek.com

more about drum scapes here;

http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/drum-scape-overview

Time Machine ver. 5

2011-04-30T09:53:00.000-07:00

A commissioned collaborative work by Arius Blaze and Ben Houston with Folktek Magnetic patchbay - live remixing the world. The Time Machine takes incoming sound, samples that sound (up to about four seconds) and twists it up however the player likes - in thousands of ways. Or it can be used for a real nasty delay with dub feedback in addition to the possibilties as a multi-osc. sound generator.

For more info check out the folktek pages on time; http://folktek.com/instruments/time

for currently available works go here; http://folktek.com/instruments/for_sale

new Feedback Harp

2011-04-27T10:44:00.001-07:00

The Feedback Harp version 3, a collaborative work created on commission by Arius Blaze and Ben Houston.

An acoustic feedback-driven electronic environment generating a broad realm of sweet sound or controlled noise.

folktek in Biz Markie's studio

2011-04-24T18:19:00.000-07:00

"Biz markies mixing room. Scene (for new VH-1 show) was shot with him at the board."

Folktek works; Luminist Garden on the speaker, Folktek plaque between, Drum Scape to the left of the mixing board

The Synergist by Arius Blaze

2011-04-22T16:11:00.000-07:00

currently available;

The Synergist is a touch synth with 8 osc. and an 8 note polyphony - each tuned in correspondence to one another to create a full body of notes in addition to touch-based noise and time control. The oscillators tie into a delay, the timing of which controls the global pitch of the oscillation (when the time on the delay is lowered or raised, the frequency of all 8 oscillators are lowered or raised accordingly). Thge delay ranges from extremely tight to a longer approx. 2 seconds (getting gradualy dirty and grimier toward the lower end)

The oscillators can be feedback driven to create decay and the level of all touch points can be lowered or raised to either overload the delay completely or create more subtle background drone. This all helps to mix the level with any incoming sound as the an input signal can be sent into the 1/4" in jack allowing for processing of external sources. The selector switch switches between a variety of clean feedback and altered feedback (altered feedback being a more compressed droning sound)

The result is a piece capable of drone or synth lines, very nasty noise and dub massacre. The layout of the touch plate is designed to make it easily playable in a percussive manner. It's also laid out so that metal pieces (coins work well) can be placed between points to acts as switches for drone or connect points to alter the delay signal.

More info on the site and more to come; http://folktek.com/instruments/symbiotic/synergist

5 of these have been made and are currently available

Sounds and video to come. The piece shown here, however, is extremely similar in nature;

Interpol 2010/2011 Luminist Garden intro

2011-04-19T12:12:00.000-07:00

This video link was just sent to me by Joseph Fraioli of jafboxsound...
"not too long ago i created the intro for interpols 2010/2011 tour using solely the luminist garden. thought you may wan to check it out. heres from a recent show, a little hard to hear with the crowd cheering:"

Luminist Garden played by Roy Harter

2011-04-16T14:14:00.000-07:00

Roy Harter, sound designer extraordinaire at SkinnyMan in NYC playing his Folktek Luminist Garden

More on the Luminist Garden on the Folktek site; http://folktek.com/instruments/electrocoustic/luminist-garden

Modified omnichord om-36

2011-03-12T16:29:00.001-08:00

Modified Omnichord available... Check details on site

Available for bidding via Ebay

New Bug X1

2011-03-12T16:23:00.000-08:00

New Bug work available... Via Folktek Site

Check older bug posts here

Folktek Colection volume 1 demo

2011-02-10T12:08:00.000-08:00

Carson McWhirter (Hella, The Advantage) performing on an enormous MIDI keyboard keyed in to a variety of patches from the Folktek Collection Vol. 1 for Kontakt.

The first patch is the "Classic Strum Velocity" instrument - a velocity sensitive multi-sample glitch beast (5-9 different glitches on each key) . Later demonstrated is the Achilles Tape Loop patch, a lo-fi time machine based instrument, and The Shrill Cops Eat Flowers preset based on a rare one-off instrument by Arius Blaze.

Hallucinogenic brain-feed visuals by Big Pauper. (http://djpz.com)
Original Patches also by Big Pauper.
Based on the instruments of Ben Houston and Arius Blaze.
(http://folktek.com)

The Expanded Luminist Garden

2011-02-08T14:28:00.000-08:00

Built by Request - an expanded version of the folktek favorite - the luminist garden by Arius Blaze. Larger sound board, multiple pickups and layers of routable processing - delay from notated tight to about 1.5 seconds,
two selectable wave reverb/antique echo and attack filtration. The result is an extremely lush accoustic electronic environment.

Folktek Collection Volume 1 version 2

2011-02-06T19:10:00.000-08:00

By strong request, we've created this version 2 of our folktek collection for those who choose not to delve into the kontakt-based vst environment. We re-recorded and arranged a massive collection of over 1.76gb of the best folktek sounds to be integrated however the player likes - whether it be with other programs such as Logic, Acid, Ableton, etc. or straight to hardware sampler.

The Folktek Collection Volume One by Big Pauper with Arius Blaze digs deep into the copper clad lines of electric and pulls fourth the nastiest, sweetest, most monstrously beautiful and torturous sounds of Folktek.

We spent a year compiling sounds and creating virtual instruments and another 6 months re-recording those sounds and arranging them in a coherent manner for easy use as kits, noises, glitches, sweet drone, sound scapes and playable pads.

Volume One features sounds intentionally designed for a broad range of artists and players - whether you're scoring a film and need something atmospherically innovative, a producer tired of the same old 808 sounds or looking to compliment them with something unusual, or a musician looking for an expressive new sound to "play".

You can find more details, have a listen, read the pdf or download version 2 here; folktek.com.

Bug XI

2011-01-13T13:30:00.000-08:00

New Bug Work

Bug XI Housed in Antique hardwood case. See Website for bug sounds and Overview of Bug works.

. Also see all bug posts here.

Impressionist Drum Scape IX

2010-11-21T09:53:00.000-08:00

One of the drum scape series by Arius Blaze - built on Commission. Nasty beautiful antique analog drum synthesis, notated delay and looping, brass keys, sweet drone.

Impressionist Drum Scape VIII

2010-11-15T10:25:00.000-08:00

Another of the drum scape series by Arius Blaze - antique analog, huge bass, deep drone, brass and hints of bakelite. More on the drum scape series on the folktek site; http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum

Impressionist Drum Scape VII

2010-10-31T11:12:00.000-07:00

A comissioned piece by Arius Blaze = one of the antique synth drum series. Huge bass, and sweet nasty drone. See it on the folktek site here;
http://folktek.com/instruments/quadrum/impressionist-drum-scape-7

New Folktek.com is now live

2010-10-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

After years of having a messy, pretty ugly and irretrievably scattered website, and after months of organizing and pounding out the details, we've now finally gone live with the fresh and clean folktek.com.

There you'll find the synth art and soon to be visual arts and odds and ends of the folktek artists. A solid percentage of the portfolio is now viewable(!). We'll be adding to and fancying up a bit but for now there is a good deal of functionality.

We've also added a players page for players of folktek works who want to post up videos, sounds, words or photos.

You're strongly encouraged to go have a look - if you know about folktek - there are likely things up you have never seen.

If you're new to folktek - welcome!

enjoy

Midi Drum Scape

2010-10-08T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Drum Scape by Arius Blaze. This version is expanded upon and has the ability to recieve simple on/off midi messages for proper synchronization. The jacks also allow for the midi to be connected to any other folktek work with trigger jacks. Expanded delay controls include tap tempo, notated tight and reverse delay styles. Very big drum sound and sweet synth drone. see other drum scape posts here; http://folktek.blogspot.com/search?q=drum+scape

Harmonic Field version 2

2010-09-30T11:10:00.001-07:00

Currently available via ebay. Feel free to hit us up direct with offers; folktek@gmail.com
ebay; http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=260669695969&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT

2010-09-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Modified Omnichord om-84 available! On Ebay

New track by Arcana Red= modified omnichord

2010-09-23T17:18:00.000-07:00

"Bent Out Of Shape by Arcana Red is a track done almost exclusively on the modified Folktek Omnichord OM-250m with external patchbox. The OM-250m sounds are not altered except for some reverb on the right channel. This track emphasizes the potential for interesting glitch textures and rhythmic patterns on just one of the voices (strings), and just one patch configuration using five magnetic patch cables while pressing multiple magnetic keys.

Listen ((((Here))))) also check other ((omnichord posts))

The Bug

2010-09-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

New Bug works by Ben Houston. Available here on ebay For more info see all bug and insect works - link at bottom of post ; http://folktek.blogspot.com/search?q=bug.

First Free Demo VST and review

2010-09-10T10:36:00.001-07:00

We have our first official review of the "Folktek Collection Vol. 1" from Richard Devine;
"The new Folktek Collection Volume by Big Pauper and Arius Blaze is one of the most unique sample collections I have ever heard. Each sample has been meticulously recorded with careful attention to detail and playability. I have longed for having many of their beautiful instruments and this collection now brings all of that into one environment. Highly recommend to all producers/sound designers looking for new sounds that are totally unique and out of this world!"

We also have a first in a series of free demo vst's designed with the intention of allowing kontakt players to have a look at how we do things by presenting a mix of samples from different instruments in the "Folktek Collection Vol One."

The intent of this sample kit is to let you check out a typical custom programmed Folktek GUI and to let you mess around with a few of the thousands of Folktek sounds included in the collection.

Go the the Folktek VST page to get the free demo or read more about the collection;
folktek.com/vst

Folktek Collection Vol. 1 (virtual instruments)

2010-08-25T12:56:00.001-07:00

After a year of work "the Folktek Collection Volume 1" has finally been realized. A massive selection of virtual instruments designed and recorded by Arius Blaze and Big Pauper - to be played using Kontakt. We took over $30,000 worth of our favorite Folktek works and meticulously multi-sampled the sounds we love, then designed the interfaces within Kontakt to have the controls we liked and what's resulted is a massive 1.74gb of data and 64 virtual instruments of the highest quality.

Go to the full page to read more, listen to sounds or to purchase the collection (price; 149.79;
http://folktek.com/vst

Impressionist Drum Scape VI

2010-08-20T17:28:00.000-07:00

A drum scape work in the future antique style by Arius Blaze. The drum scape is a constant source of sonic pleasure - drone synth, beats and beauty.

For all other drum scape posts (images, videos and more details) check here; Drum Scape search

Time Scape Wave Sequencer on ebay

2010-07-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

sold...goodbye sweet TSWS, you will be missed.

I'm not a big fan of listing these larger works on ebay, but here it is;

TSWS on Ebay

See the full description on the blog here;

TSWS full description

Unfortunately there are no proper videos of this work and I'm not sure I'll find time before the auction ends. But keep in mind, this work is capable of everything the "Time Scape", "Scape Sequencer" and "Time Machine" works are (and much more) - so if you're interested, do the search here on the blog and watch videos and listen to sound samples. And/or go through our youtube videos to see what those works do; folktek youtube

This piece is also capable of everything that the Feedback Wave is - which will let you know what the touch board is all about - feedback based synthesis. Although, with the sequencer being built in, there are a multitude of greater possibilities for the synth section as well.

If you decide to go for this work, you'll be thrilled - it is my masterpiece sampler synth to date and currently at the price of a Time Machine. If you want to get it straight from me and cut out the corporate evils of ebay, you're more than welcome to hit me up direct; folktek@gmail.com. good luck and take care.

folk

Drone Scape

2010-07-01T12:54:00.000-07:00

The Drone Scape by Arius Blaze - an ongoing series of works intended specifically for a broad range of drone - from lo-fi to extremely rich and lush, similar in nature to the Drum Scape series, though also quite different from any other folktek work. On the other hand, it's also capable of glitch, bleeps and blips, odd beats, shifting arpeggiation and all varieties of noise.

The Drone Scape X (one of four identical works) can be found here;
Drone Scape X
This piece is capable of all of the same sounds and has the same controls.

Based on step shifting oscillation run through a built in delay - capable of extremely tight notated repeats and up to about 1.5 seconds. The result in an enormous range of sound with great control over the sonic characteristics.

There are six sound samples presented here - unedited, eneffected, way too long, likely redundant and encoded at medium quality. After recording I performaed a modification which allows for further possibility and control - however, I currently have no intention of rerecording, so this is it;

= There is one Drone Scape finished and ready to ship, otherwise this is an ongoing series of work built to order.

Custom switches, keys, lamps and beautiful hardwood box.

Impressionist Drum Scape V

2010-06-29T11:11:00.000-07:00

Here is one of the Drum Scape series by Arius Blaze. Analog synth drums and sweet, thick drone plucked from an alternate 1914 and placed neatly in the present.

Folktek Player

2010-06-11T09:55:00.000-07:00

Folktek player in Germany meets his new Luminist Garden.

"yesterday I have "played" more than 4 hours with this "luminist"! It's a DRUG...can't stop to find out new soundscapes...simply brilliant!"

Book Of Sound

2010-06-05T09:42:00.001-07:00

The Book of Sound by Ben Houston - a new rendition of a sub-series of the "Insectan" category of glitch-based works featuring magnetic patchbay, photo control and housed in an old book.

Golden Keys

2010-06-03T23:58:00.000-07:00

A collaborative effort by Arius Blaze and Ben Houston. The Golden Keys is a work for real time stretching and odd alterations of any incoming sound. Small smaple time, playable glitch and folktek's own magnetic patchbay.

Luminist Garden photos

2010-05-31T10:39:00.001-07:00

The Luminist Garden by Arius Blaze. Have redesigned the boxes - using fine Walnut with nice grain and contrasting jointery. Search Luminist to see more on this work.

All Luminist Gardens are now sold on the Folkway ebay account
Or order direct, save us both money (get a discount) and stop feeding the machine.
enjoy!

Drone Scape X

2010-05-18T10:28:00.001-07:00

The Drone Scape is a new work by Arius Blaze. This particular piece ("X") is one of a series of four identical works built into extremely tough and beautiful vintage cases. As the name implies, it is intended specifically for a broad range of drone - from lo-fi to extremely rich and lush, similar in nature to the Drum Scape series, though also quite different from any other folktek work. On the other hand, it's also capable of glitch, bleeps and blips, odd beats, shifting arpeggiation and all varieties of noise.

Built into a vintage case with average mild wear and tear, all custom lamps and switches, 6v power supply included, manual, 1/4" out.

Backpack, Lamp, Bug

2010-04-12T19:35:00.000-07:00

New Works By Ben Houston.

The latest bug here, housed in antique wooden volt-meter. Features 12 point magnetic patchbay and a patchable knobs. Endless sound possibilities here, really! Nice portable design.

Lamp I created from odd bulbs I found in some old photographic equipment in a dumpster and mounted to an old oak display. Bulbs glow very pleasing violet color.

Finally got my sewing set up all working and have been designing a small day pack geared toward the cyclist. This is my favorite one so far. Ergonomic shoulder straps, reflective strip and compact four pocket design. Fabric is industrial scrap from awning/sunbrella factory.

Feedback Harmonizer

2010-04-10T09:38:00.000-07:00

The Feedback Harmonizer by Arius Blaze. This particular piece features a contoured sound board. The feedback harmonizer is a feedback-based system with controls for delay and oscillator to create swelling drone based on the original notes.

Would be best played with an ebow and slide - shown in the video with just straight plucking.

Arcana Red track

2010-04-02T10:40:00.000-07:00

""Tuvan Demon Sniper Scat" by arcana red. i used the microgarden amongst other instruments, mostly to provide texture and occasionally cut through the sound. i'm always looking to find new ways to implement the microgarden - and it never lets me down."

thank you Arcana Red

Tuvan Demon Sniper Scat by Arcana Red

The Insect by Arius Blaze

2010-03-30T11:08:00.000-07:00

One of the latest "Insectan" works by Arius Blaze - of the bug family. This is an expanded upon version of the previous bugs with folktek magnetic patchbay, patchable knobs and the controllable chaotic sound of alien insects based on high quality speech osc.

The expansion adds a modulate section which toggles back and fourth between two patches adding more rhythmic control and/or also causing the insect to behave oddly and create variations of sounds otherwise unheard from the bugs. The modulate section has speed control and the global patch depth function covers the modulation as well.

The Insect by Arius Blaze is currently available on comission - price: 600

Currently Available Works

2010-03-15T19:36:00.001-07:00

Because our new site is being built and our old site sits and collects dust and remains ugly, we've reverted to relying almost entirely on this blog. And because our site is in disarray and because people continue to ask, the works below are currently available. We do oftentimes work on comission for any number of other works that we create, but these are all relatively finished and in our studio at the moment awaiting polishing and shipment to a new home;

The Harmonic Field version 2 = 3500
The Impressionist Drumscape II = 1200 (sold)
Modified Omnichord = 775
Time Scape Wave Sequencer = 3500 (sold)
Drone Scape X = 900
Drone Scape = 800

The Folktek Collection Vol. 1 (virtual instruments for Kontakt) = 149.79

Continuosly in the works and available:

Micro Garden = 450
Luminist Garden = 840
Time Scape = 1500
Scape Sequencer = 500
Modified Omnichord (as above)
bugs by Ben Houston = 500-600
Insect by Arius Blaze = 600
Drone Scape (as above) = 800

We also work with other pieces on a strictly comission basis, such as:
the Time Machine
Subharmonic Field
as well as others which will be much easier to find once the new site is up.

Impressionist Drum Scape IV

2010-03-15T11:57:00.000-07:00

The lateest in an ongoing series of comissioned works by Arius Blaze. This particular piece built into an especially beautiful old case. The drum scape is capable of huge bassy drums, extremely thick drone however you like it and clicky sounds. Semi-infinite repeats up to around 1.5 seconds for live now looping and notated delay on the short side. To watch videos and see other similar works, see all other posts for the drum scapes here: http://folktek.blogspot.com/search?q=drum+scape

new modified omnichord video

2010-03-13T22:01:00.000-08:00

In two parts, modified and played by Ben Houston. This is the digitized version of the omnichord with midi - modified with breakout box and patchable keys.

Time Scape and Scape Sequencer videos

2010-03-05T11:19:00.000-08:00

A February day dabbling in remixing the world at the push of a button - something like an atomic bomb or modern wave-based weapon of mass sonic reconstruction - parts one and two. For all things Time Scape go here: Time Scape Search

the BUG 3.0 by Ben Houston

2010-02-28T11:49:00.001-08:00

New Bug work By Ben Houston. Fantastic glitch, click, whirl, chatter, freeze, chaos synth.

Harmonic Field version 2

2010-02-27T21:46:00.001-08:00

The second version of one of our favorite works here at the folktek labs, this one steeped in greater possibility - still almost entirely touch based. We've added a 12 part key section to control the touch plates and a very nasty filter to either grime up, liquify or subdue the sound.
For more info on the original (version 2 is capable of everything the original is), see: these posts

Here are our three videos - this is the first attempt at play after the piece was finished:

Triple Luminist Garden videos and new Folktek intro

2010-02-24T09:26:00.000-08:00

Taking full advantage of having three Luminist Gardens around for a couple days prior to shipping out...Played by Arius Blaze, video by Big Pauper. Fancy new introduction to our videos with the sound design by Arius Blaze, utilizing strictly sounds by folktek works and the twisted video done by Big Pauper once again.. Enjoy!

Folktek article in Gonzai = Le Post Moderne

2010-02-22T10:06:00.000-08:00

Article in French written by Serlach (Which can be found here: http://www.gonzai.com/content/folktek-artisans-de-la-musique-%C3%A9lectronique). Though the translation is crooked, it seems to be a well written piece of work basically giving praise and where this amazing sentence (translated) has been spotted; "Here everything is done by grinding buttons, using his hands on plates ultra-sensitive acoustic emanations Research terrorists"...We like that.

many thanks

"Folktek Garden joins the Jomox band"

2010-02-18T12:45:00.000-08:00

video featuring the garden via youtube: theau61 (go to channel for more videos)
"Loop made with Folktek garden. Filtering and reverbe made with the Jomox T-resonator. Reproducing African Dance groove heard from the outside."

ether^ra VS FOLKTEK IMPRESSIONIST DRUMSCAPE lll

2010-02-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

The Impressionist Drum scape III as spotted in its new home and played by Ether^ra. Many thanks for the support. More Ether^ra videos here: potterpaint2000

More on the Impressionist Drum Scape here: previous post

Time Machine ver.4 by Arius Blaze

2010-02-13T10:48:00.000-08:00

A different style of Time Machine for processing sound or as a standalone sound generator synth with magnetic patchbay/touchboard (for touch based synthesis), patchable keys and thousands of possibilities from the subtle to the extreme.

Gathering of Folktek works

2010-02-12T12:01:00.001-08:00

on the top, left to right; Impressionist drum scape II, Time Scape Wave Sequencer, Time Machine ver.4
on the bottom, left to right; Time Scape and Scape Sequencer, Modified omnichord (folkchord), magnetic bug

Time Scape and Sequencer video and photos

2010-02-12T11:39:00.000-08:00

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"The Folktek Time Scape with the Scape Sequencer as built, played, recorded and filmed and edited by Arius Blaze. The audio is multitracked, utilizing the standalone feedback for wave generation as well as processing a small portion of a mix by Dr Auratheft called "Nomads and Monades" (highly recomended). No cutting or further computer processing was done - just 4 tracks interwoven. The video is filmed as the audio is recorded and is perhaps a bit wildstyle with the editing but they seem to work well together. More info on the Time scape, Scape Sequencer and all other Folktek works at folktek.blogspot.com, folktek.com and ariusblaze.com. A new site will be up soon, but for now - enjoy!"

photos of the work being filmed - built on comission:

Neo Kitsch video Featuring the Folkchord 84

2010-01-31T12:41:00.000-08:00

Luminist Garden video 3

2010-01-22T17:13:00.000-08:00

The last of the three video series - this one expressing more of the strictly choral wave-shaping capabilities

Luminist Garden videos

2010-01-13T13:34:00.000-08:00

Here are two of three of the initial Luminist Garden videos filmed by Big Pauper of Token Recluse, played by Arius Blaze - no editing and no external effects. A third video will follow shortly and then later a more professional presentation.

The Luminist Garden

2010-01-12T14:06:00.000-08:00

The Luminist Garden created by Arius Blaze. This work is an expanded version of the Micro Garden, capable of making lush choral waves and entire compositions as a standalone work.
The expanded soundboard has multiple pick ups that run into the delay - which offers time settings from extremely tight notated repeats to about 1.5 seconds with undecaying feedback that essentially acts as a looper allowing one to make beats by tapping the board and plucking or rubbing the strings.
The delay runs into a very lush and unusual reverb that has the ability to act more as a wave generator, creating waves that can endlessly extend and are based on the original note but with the ability to pitch shift the feedback, resulting in something like the NI effect called "convolution".
The result is rich electronic music from an accoustic source. Sweet ambience. Stereo out, custom lamps and switch, runs on supplied 9v power. The price is 850 and they are built to order.
here are three sound samples, each a single take with no editing or external effects.
Luminist1
Luminist2
Luminist3

videos up soon

Bug 3.0 by Ben Houston

2010-01-10T10:14:00.000-08:00

The folktek Bug series (aka melanogaster, aka insectan) is an ongoing body of work by Ben Houston and Arius Blaze. This particulkar piece was created by Ben Houston - custom hardwood, custom switch/buttons and folktek's own plugless magnetic patchbay.
Video by Big Pauper of Token Recluse

Micro Feedback Wave video

2010-01-10T10:06:00.000-08:00

The Micro Feedback Wave is a collaborative work by Arius Blaze and Ben Houston. It is essentially a very small version of the original Feedback Wave (see this post: Feedback Wave) Video by Big Pauper of Token Recluse

Time Scape + Sequencer

2010-01-08T08:24:00.000-08:00

Built on comission - The Time Scape + Scape Sequencer = Time Scape Sequencer. They are two but work as one. Time based alteration of external sounds in what is literally tens of thousands of ways - modulation, granulation and relocation...The results; quite different from anything else and quite addictive. See all previous posts from time scape + scape sequencer for more info, sounds, etc.

Impressionist Drum Scape III

2010-01-07T11:35:00.000-08:00

A drum scape by Arius Blaze created on co-mission. Sweet drone, huge drum loops and bizarre sounds. See all previous drum scape posts

Garden Works I and II by Arcana Red

2010-01-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

Here we have some tracks produced by an owner of one of the Micro Gardens. These tracks "were made entirely on or through the garden except for the obvious instrument here or there."

he says "I plan on releasing both Garden Work I & II on an album called Heliotropic Lovers by Arcana Red" - so look out for it.

They are rather long and you can either go and have a listen to "Garden work I" here: http://soundcloud.com/arcana-red
or directly download by going here

"Garden Work II" is only available for download here

enjoy

(image provided by Arcana Red)

Garden Winter tune by T.Heau

2009-12-22T11:07:00.000-08:00

I was just sent a link to this video by a happy holiday player of the Folktek Micro Garden being played in a bit of a different way than most videos have displayed. A very nice composition of imagined snow, fire in the living room and a warm cup of the sweet life.

Sin:Ned and Inter-face

2009-12-20T10:08:00.000-08:00

A few flicks from relatively opposite us on the globe. In Beijing and Hong Kong Sin:Ned works this multi-player angle with the Folktek Harmonic Field on his project entitled properly "Inter-face"
Here: Beijing, August 25, playing with Yan Jun

and here, Hong Kong, October 2, playing with Alok

Neokitsch showreel

2009-12-20T10:05:00.000-08:00

A very professional presentation of this mans sound design work, later displaying and talking about the Folktek Micro Garden (at about 3:45 in)...Proper

New Kegel videos

2009-12-20T10:00:00.001-08:00

Here we have some showcase and abstractions by a prominent folktek instrument player = Kegel. Very nice - Enjoy!

Impressionist Drum Scape II

2009-12-15T10:59:00.000-08:00

This is a co-mission piece based on the original "Impressionist Drum Scape". Huge drums, big bass and beautiful waves.

The original "Simian Drum Scape", of which the Impressionist is based, can be seen in action here:

Time Scape Wave Sequencer video preliminaria

2009-11-28T09:30:00.000-08:00

This is a brief preliminary video meant to be a visual presentation (not a sonic one) of the "Time Scape Wave Sequencer" by Arius Blaze. There will be more to come.

Sin:Ned = Dark Side of the Chord VII

2009-11-28T08:54:00.000-08:00

A new release by Sin:Ned
in his email he wrote "it is my solo improvisation on folktek's folkchord 2 and modified om-84."
info below...go here for more info and to have a listen to a few tracks: http://www.re-records.com/discography/re-cd-002r/

"Deeply influenced by the Tokyo Psychedelic Underground, Hong Kong experimentalist Sin:Ned created a never-ending and eternally self-referencing world of noise and extreme frequency. The two solo improvisations on modified Omnichord unleashed the full darkness hidden inside the bent circuitry of the instruments. A complex structure of razor sharp power lines running through an endless maze of psychedelic trans-configuration. Free and abstract. Forceful yet intricate. A brutal journey about the poetic of lost soul and dead spirit. "

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check it out and support the arts

Time Scape Wave Sequencer

2009-11-26T13:14:00.000-08:00

A brand new masterwork by Arius Blaze. The "Time Scape Wave Sequencer" is a sampler, processor and synthesizer with a built in 8 step sequencer. The touch board controls the polyphonic synth part which can be fed through delay or any combination of thousands of possibilities for wave shaping as well as the possibility of having the shape altered in time with the sequencer.

The synth parts can also be sampled and the sample can be added to. The sample time has been greatly expanded to 4x that of the standard time scape (up to about ten seconds of high quality and more at lower quality). The built in color oscilloscope is not a standard oscilloscope but instead a synchronized display of odd textures with controls over the textures.

Sample retriggering to synch with the sequencer, methods for adding to the sample in real time, exessive low pass and high pass feedback options and literally thousands of possibilities for shaping the sample with straight connections or through the sequencer. Incoming sounds can be greatly altered as well - everything from strange time-based stuttering to ring mods and granulation...

All of that and loads of nice blinking lamps. Unfonrtunately, it is nearly impoossible to photograph the oscilloscope and so expect to see more in the upcoming videos. All of the lamps, switches and buttons are hand crafted. For more info on the original time scape see this post: time scape delay and sampler

More info and videos to come. Many thanks!

Folktek ambigram

2009-11-22T21:50:00.001-08:00

New Time Machine Collaboration

2009-11-18T15:55:00.000-08:00

Fresh out of the lab - a new co-mission collaboration by Ben Houston and Arius Blaze. A delay-based, sample remix murderer with the potential for excessive feedback and a broad range of tonal generation. folktek's own magnetic patchbay and all custom keys, switches and lamps, based on the original Time Machine.
The buyer of this work also purchased a scape sequencer accompaniment which greatly expands upon the potential of this piece.

New book of Sound

2009-11-17T19:06:00.001-08:00

New co-mission work by Ben Houston

Magnetically patchable odd/

freaky sound synth.

Matador and Bull

2009-11-16T09:03:00.000-08:00

Arius Blaze 2009, ink on paper, 34" x 22"

Folktek Garden videos by Izzy

2009-10-27T10:57:00.000-07:00

A nice display of some of the micro garden potential. keeping it folk
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(you may consider playing all at once)

door number 11

2009-10-27T10:44:00.000-07:00

folktek headquarters; downtown Portland, Oregon.

Go Blazers!

Kegel folktek videos

2009-10-27T10:34:00.000-07:00

Some video proper from another player of extensive folktek works. Nice work Kegel!

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Ether^ra folktek videos

2009-10-27T10:28:00.000-07:00

Some video proper from a player of extensive folktek works...Lookin good Ether^ra

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Analog Hands = collaborative work

2009-10-20T12:45:00.000-07:00

A work by Ben Houston and Arius Blaze combining the synthesis from the subharmonic field by Arius Blaze, the hand plate of the electric hands by Ben Houston and a nice analog delay with slide controls. This was a co-missioned work by special request. The box is hardwood and custom. The Analog Hands is an extremely nasty thing with gut wrenching, ear piercing noise or nice fat analog tones that are altered by where you touch the plate, what points are combined as you press and how hard you touch the plate. We also added some optical controls for the delay in a custom resin lamp which is reminiscent of the old styles (mostly pre-2000) of Arius Blaze.

Radio Drum Scape

2009-10-14T10:08:00.000-07:00

Created by Arius Blaze on Comission - one of the drum scape series housed in a beautiful antique radio test box.

Thick lush sound based on the same circuitry as the original "Simian Drum Scape":.

Time Scape sound samples

2009-10-04T11:08:00.002-07:00

More info on the Time Scape in the post below: Time Scape
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Below you'll find the samples (medium quality mp3) as well as some explanation of what's happening. Please excuse any clipping or peaked levels in the recording - I'm experimenting with new recording software. None of this is edited except where it says otherwise and no external processing is ever used.

These first three samples are the internal sounds of the Time Scape - no external processing, no incoming sound and no use of the Scape Sequencer. They do utilize the onboard auto patching and excess feedback.

Time Scape Waves 1

Time Scape Waves 2

Time Scape Waves 3

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These next samples go through some of the real-time, time-based alteration using the auto patch and auto add funtions, no sequencer, no external effects. The sound source is from my mp3 player - John Zorn, Satie, something unknown - the alteration is great enough to where it doesn't much matter what the sound source is, except that it be hard or soft - most of this is on the soft side.

Time Scape auto patching 1

Time Scape auto patching 2

Time Scape auto patching 3

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Here, bits of Satie are sent into the analog style delay and the excess feedback potential (utilizing the high pass and low pass feedback touch points) is explored

Time Scape delay

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The following are all loop-based recordings with the sample source being whatever's playing on the mp3 player, no external processing.

The first is a recordings of a single loop captured and altered by patching the Scape Sequencer into the patchbay on the Time Scape. John Zorn, a simple beat which begins with a subtle exploration of the use of the sequencer and time based patches but as the recording goes on the beat gets gradually more twisted, adding some ring mod, IDM madness, repeats of beat parts and finally returning to its source.

Time Scape loop 1

This recording is another captured beat twisted up gradually with the use of the sequencer - adding parts, subtracting parts, changing patches.

Time Scape loop 2

Here is Missisippi John Hurt live looped - "Candy Man" being altered by the sequencer. A bit long and perhaps annoying, but still it shows some of the timing variations

Time Scape loop 3

Here is John Zorn looped, fuqt with on the sequencer for awhile, later added to and eventually becoming a chaotic insane mess.

Time Scape loop 4

Last but not least, sections of longer recordings where playing the entire mess would be redundant - This is whatever is playing on the mp3 player being looped and altered with the use of the sequencer.

Time Scape loops 5

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Scape Sequencer

2009-10-03T12:12:00.000-07:00

The Scape Sequencer is currently available: http://ariusblaze.com/forsale.html

The Scape Sequencer created by Arius Blaze, was originally designed as an accompaniment to the time machine or any of its close cousins, ie. the Time Scape, however, it is made to work with any piece of gear that has a point to point patchbay including any of the patchable folktek works.

It gives entirely new dimension to everything we've tried it out with. Playability is simple - there are two "mains" to control respectively, parts 1-4 and parts 5-8 of the whole 8 part step sequencing - these are patched to any points on the main patchbay, then parts 1-8, any or all of them, are patched to alternate points on the patchbay making switches as the step proceeds. It has a clock in and clock out. In the case of using this with the time scape, as an example, the clock in can be sent to various points on the time scape patchbay thereby synchronizing to the time scape timing and repeats.

In addition, parts can be added with the "add step" button, so intead of having one part proceed step by step, any number of parts can be addedcreating a matrix effects and connecting multiple points at once and in succesion. Parts can then be subtracted as desired using the "subtract step" button.

Furthermore, all parts can be erased at once or the step can be paused with the push of a button.

There is a time knob and a swing knob to control timing variation.

The lamp section is custom, the low profile and small hardwood box is custom and all of the buttons are handmade.

Here are three videos which all utilize the Scape Sequencer;
With the midi chord modified by Ben Houston, a chord is played and then the Scape Sequencer is patched into the breakout patchbay.

In the following two videos the Scape Sequencer is used to control the Magnetic Bug by Ben Houston allowing glitchy phrases to be made and repeated - something that is otherwise impossible without first sampling and rearranging. Additionally, we've discovered the capability of pulling fourth sounds from the bug, not necessarily displayed in these videos, that we've previously not heard.

In the post below, you'll find photos of the Time Scape, also currently available, displayed with the Scape Sequencer. These two pieces together generate a world of possibility.

new "Time Scape" delay and sampler

2009-10-01T11:29:00.001-07:00

(this piece is currently available. go to the for sail page on ariusblaze.com for more details.)

The New Time Scape created by Arius Blaze is designed for analog style delay, thousands of variations for effecting incoming sound and extreme sample fuqwithing. This work has automated patchable effects which amongst many other things can be made to process sample timing, allowing you to cipher through parts of a sample as it repeats or toggle back and fourth between any variation of ring mod or compression for example.

It functions as a standalone piece by activateing the excess feedback and generating fields of sound.

There are expansion options for the Time Scape. Adding the "Scape Sequencer" to the mix allows you to automatically sequence any of the patches and when tapping into the timing mechanism, resampling will rearrange bits and pieces of the incoming sound in time with the sampler - making it something of an automatic remix machine. Sending various points in the patchbay out to the clock in on the sequencer allows the sequencer to be synchronized with the sampler time adding repeatable results. The points can also be sent to the clock in on any analog gear or from the clock out on the sequencer.

Another addition is the touchboard (see this post; touchboard) which allows the player to plug into the Time Scape and generate waves - which can be further altered by the Time Scape and the Scape sequencer as well as the automated patch functions.

Custom hardwood box, all custom buttons and switches, custom etched board, custom lamps. Currently available. Go to the Time Scape page for more details and sounds: http://ariusblaze.com/soundart/delay/timescape.html
The touch board and the sequencer are offered seperately as expansion options.

Essentially, the Time Scape + Scape Sequencer = Time Scape Sequencer
Here is a video of the time scape sequencer:

Modified omnichord om-250

2009-09-23T08:15:00.000-07:00

Here's a video of the om-250 made better by Ben Houston. This work is highly digital by comparison to all of the older models of omnichords, which has it's ups and downs like anything else. One of the ups proper is the midi.
Toward the end of the video you get a taste of the new sequencer by Arius Blaze. There will be more on that soon.

For more photos and info see the previous post: http://folktek.blogspot.com/2009/07/modified-omnichord-om-250.html

NeoKitsch - Experiments with the Micro Garden - Glitch Music

2009-09-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

A video by an owner of one of the micro gardens..."The Micro Garden is being played through a talkbox to create those robotic vocal sounds. The Elektron Monomachine and Machinedrum are accompanying the glitch improvisation."

Kegel - Touch of Evil (versions one and two)

2009-09-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

Owner of several Folktek works as well as an assortment of other hardware. "I used my Folktek Pluton, Waveshape Repeater, Bug, and Subharmonic Field" - foltek works.

Ether^ra Tesla Step Up

2009-09-07T17:36:00.000-07:00

A new video by Ether^ra, owner of several folktek works. This one makes prominent use of the Subharmonic Field by Arius Blaze

Omnichord video by Darksharkwater

2009-09-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

An owner of one of Ben Houston's modified Omnichords displaying a bit of its ability

Time Machine ver.3

2009-08-13T13:13:00.001-07:00

by Arius Blaze designed for extreme sample fuqwithing and analog style delay.

Thousands of possibilities for effecting sound - everything from granulation, modulation, stutter effects and things that have yet to be named. It stands alone though it has the following expansion options which can be done at any time:

= The all touch-based playable keyboard - polyphonic and feeding through the circuitry of the time machine to turn this piece into a samplable synthesizer.

photo from the keyboard made for the Time Scape Sequencer:

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= The 8 part sequencer (like that on the time scape sequencer) allows the effects to be played in time - each part is patchable to the main patchbay generating some of the instant craziest hardware shit you've ever heard. There is no other piece of hardware that does anything like this when the sequencer is added. an amazing thing.

As shown built into the Time Scape Sequencer:

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= twenty part custom keyboard with all handmade keys and two patchable mains - allows thousands of effects to be played as and when you like.

Each and all of the upgrade options breathe entirely new life into this piece, making it more playable and allowing for thousands more possibilities.

For more info, photos of this piece and sound samples of a similar work go to: http://ariusblaze.com/soundart/delay/timemachine3.html

This piece is currently available: http://ariusblaze.com/forsale.html

For further sound examples and video, see the time machine and time scape sequencer.

untitled

2009-08-09T12:57:00.001-07:00

Arius Blaze 2009, ink on paper, 24" x 36"