John Richards
John Richards explores the idea of Dirty Electronics that focuses on shared
experiences, ritual, gesture, touch and social interaction. He is primarily concerned
with the performance of large-group electronic music and DIY electronics. Dirty Electronics has been commissioned to create sound devices for various arts organisations and festivals and has released a series of hand-held synths on Mute Records.
During the shooting of The Sound is Innocent in the Slovak Radio Building, Dirty
Electronics occupied the corridors and basement of the building. An ad hoc group of
artists were amassed who become actors/performers in the film. Electronic
components and loudspeakers were scavenged from the film set made of discarded
technology. From these pickings, a sound system and instruments were built and
used to create a live performance that formed the basis for one of the distinct
chapters of the film. At NEXT, Richards will perform with a group of artists participating in the Dirty Electronics Workshop.