Functions of Time: Delay Effects as a Compositional Technique

Portland based artist and educator Casual Decay demonstrates delay / looping based composition techniques in electronic music. Casual Decay is the experimental ambient project of self-taught multimedia designer Jon Nasrallah. Equipped with a biochemistry degree and a background in STEM Education and perceptual studies, Nasrallah approaches his art with the curiosity and discipline of a true sonic scientist.

The lecture will start with a brief history of the pioneering use of tape delay systems by composers including Terry Riley, Steve Reich and Pauline Oliveros. Afterwards Jon will demonstrate how he uses delay in his own compositions with his eurorack modular system using the 4MS Dual Looping Delay and the Make Noise Mimeophon.

Outline:
1. History of tape systems (cover Terry Riley + Time Lag Accumlation, Steve Reich + phasing , Pauline Oliveros + drone delays, Brian Eno + Frippertronics)
2. Basics of delay w/ Mimeophon (mix, time, feedback, color)
3. Introducing the pulse (sync'd vs unsync'd delay, The Edge's guitar tone)
4. Harmony, chords, counterpoint
5. Chance, randomness and generative techniques
6. Getting weirder w/ the Mimeophon + DLD (modulating delay time, color, random freezes, etc)

NOTE: This is a presentation rather than workshop, so no hands-on component will be offered.
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Sunday, April 14th 2024
1 PM - 2:30 PM

Inside Portland Synth & Pedal Expo
@ Briq Studio
209 NW 4th Ave #3 Portland, OR 97209
All ages (10+ recommended)
$10-15 sliding scale
Tickets are required to attend. No one is turned away for lack of funds, so email info@synthlibraryportland.com for lower/no-cost tickets.

This workshop is part of Portland Synth & Pedal Expo. The expo is free to attend but RSVP at the link below is required.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-portland-synthmodular-expo-2024-tickets-858416706477