Suite 100 Gallery took a few moments out of Michael Robson's busy schedule to ask a few hard-hitting questions about his experience as a circuit bender. Michael recently took part in Suite 100 Gallery's circuit bending-themed show, "Reclaim".
Suite 100 Gallery: At what point did you decide break a perfectly good instrument only to turn around and mutate it into something unholy?
Michael Robson: When my grandpa got me my first set of tools, five to six years old, I think.
S100G: You've been in bands all your life. How have your musical tastes and experiences influenced your creations?
MR: LOW END! BIG SOUND! HEAVY DUDE!
S100G: Do you consider your circuit-bent creations to be musical instruments?
MR: Yup, I sure do.
S100G: Have you ever used one in a live performance?
MR: Yes, at the Crocodile Café, eight or nine years ago. We circuit bent a Casio SK-1 to make funny sounds and shapes on a TV!
S100G: Can you describe from start to finish the process of creating a circuit-bent piece?
MR: Well, I find something that sounds cool. I like low end and funny sounds. Then, I just kinda start building something. It kinda just happens. Pop machines, pinball, whatever inspires me at the moment. Then, I just find the materials to build, make some sacrifices to the materials I have, and BLAMMO! Then again, I could just be full of shit.
S100G: Do you remember the first bent piece you did?
MR: Yup. The SK-1! It kinda worked. I guess if it makes a cool noise it didn't make before, it worked!
S100G: I heard you once did work for Marilyn Manson... What the hell?
MR: Where did you hear that? It would be cool, but.... I do supply a few well-known musicians with equipment, Bill Reefland (Ministry), Matt Chamberlin, etc.
S100G: What's next for you?
MR: Really cool analog synthes. I'm going to make a whole line. And the electric drums. NOT electronic. Just wait and see!
Visit Micahel Robson's page for more information about the artist. Visit "Reclaim" for more information about Suite 100 Gallery's circuit bending-themed show.
