Beats + Pieces Vol. 62
On making mazes and other such things.
Selected Works is a weekly (usually) newsletter by the Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Aotearoa (Wellington, New Zealand) based freelance music journalist, broadcaster, copywriter and sometimes DJ Martyn Pepperell, aka Yours Truly. Most weeks, Selected Works consists of a recap of what I’ve been doing lately and some of what I’ve been listening to and reading, paired with film photographs I’ve taken + some bonuses. All of that said, sometimes it takes completely different forms.
Just over a month ago, a younger relative asked me if I could build them a small cardboard marble maze. Once I’d briefly looked around at some maze maps on the internet, I figured it wouldn’t be too hard to do - and why not? Who doesn’t enjoy a maze, right?
Although I was a bit rusty with cutting knives and cardboard, I used to love doing arts and crafts as a kid, and once I got started, I picked everything up again pretty quickly. A few days later, I decided to make a slightly more complicated maze out of cardboard, and a week or so after that, I headed down to an inner-city arts supply store called Gordon Harris to see what else I could use. Once I found some sheets of 5mm foamboard and plastic mirror board near the back of the shop, it was all on, as you can see below.
I’m particularly fond of the mirrored marble maze I built because it was one of those moments where I had an idea, and it practically leapt out of my mind into the real world in a frenzied flow state of sorts. I’ve had a few moments like this when making or writing things over the years, and they’re always very rewarding.
While building it, I didn’t even consider how pleasing it sounds when the small steel marble I’ve been using bangs against a wall while the user navigates the maze. If I have another moment of frenzied inspiration, I might try to mic it up with contact microphones or MIDI controllers. Imagine that? A small toy maze as a percussion instrument.
As Well as D.I.Y homemade mazes, I’ve also been thinking about homemade instruments a lot lately because I’m in the middle of writing a feature story about the Wellington-based avant-garde jazz dance band Orchestra of Spheres for Audio Culture. They’ve always used a lot of invented, custom-made instruments with names like the Sexomouse Marimba, the Biscuit Tin Guitar and the Huhu Organ. Here’s a long video of them performing at Chabs and Milky, LIVE! from San Fran on Cuba Street, Te Aro, Te-Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington, back in 2021.
I’ve also been thinking about homemade instruments and experimentation because I’ve been reading an advance copy of Orchestra of Spheres’ member Daniel Beban’s forthcoming new book Future Jaw-Clap: The Primitive Art Group and Braille Collective Story.
Scheduled for publication on the 7th of November through Te Herenga Waka University Press, Future Jaw-Clap is a deep dive into aspects of what was going on within the experimental/improvised music scene in Wellington, New Zealand, during the late 1970s and 1980s. As a narrative, it hangs together around the story of the pioneering free jazz ensemble Primitive Art Group, who opened door after door for the players who would follow and have gone on to contribute to music in a multitude of manners. Somewhere between oral history, critical re-evaluation and researched observation, it’s an engaging, fun, and informative read. If you’re in New Zealand, you can pre-order a copy here.
WHAT I’VE BEEN LISTENING TO:
For his first album in four years, the British DJ/Producer Phil Mison aka Cantoma returns to the Balearic soundworld he summoned up on his 2020 record Into Daylight. Expect a suite of sunkissed sunset/sunrise music for white sand beaches, blue skies, lush palm trees and crystal clear waters. One for the BBQ, cookout, or summer park party.
Due for release through New York’s Amish Records, Primitive Art Group 1981-1986 collects up the two albums the Wellington avant-garde/improvised group recorded in New Zealand during the early to mid 1980s and even adds in some additional unheard live material. Consider this the ideal compliment to the Future Jaw-Clap: The Primitive Art Group and Braille Collective Story book. One for the jazz and improv heads.
The 12th album from Auckland, New Zealand-based post-hardcore, doomgaze and noise pop musician P.H.F., Suffer is a record full of sharp, angular edges and the odd dark but soothing corner. As P.H.F puts it, “Suffer aims to confront the overwhelming feeling that we have in fact, all failed. While offering brief moments of comfort, the only way out is through and finding joy through apathy.” That description might sound pretty grim, but in reality, the music contained in this noisy ambient rock record is surprisingly cathartic.
1/200 PODCAST:
Earlier in the week, I went on the 1/200 podcast with my promoter/booking agent friend Anthony Metcalfe to talk about the state of the music and entertainment industries in New Zealand, what’s happening on the ground and what’s exciting for the future. You can listen here.
DJ STUFF:
This Saturday, I’ll be DJing a couple of times in Wellington. From 3-6 PM, I’ll be playing Japanese music with Ben Stevens, aka Longboss, at a Garage Project event on Marion Street as part of the Japan Festival. More details here. Afterwards, I’ll be up at Vogelmorn until 10 pm with Simon and TV Disko for Mondo Bizarro. More details here.
WHAT I’VE BEEN READING:
Opinion: The End of Aslice Exposes Dance Music's Hollow Activism: After less than three years, the revenue-sharing platform is closing. Michael Lawson argues that high-profile DJs who didn't participate have failed the dance music community. Over on Resident Advisor here.
Tone Glow 157: Nilüfer Yanya: An interview with the London-based singer-songwriter about practicing trust, being a more honest communicator, and her new album 'My Method Actor'. Read here.
The Prince We Never Knew: A revealing new documentary could redefine our understanding of the pop icon. But you will probably never get to see it. For The New York Times, Sasha Weiss. Read here.
For Ban Ban Ton Ton, Dr Rob on Izumi “Mimi” Kobayashi / Choice Cuts 1978 – 1983 / Time Capsule. Read here.
FIN.
A Maze ing