Ramp Waves (2023) for live electronics (modular synthesis)

A ramp wave is an alternative name for a sawtooth wave, one of the archetypal harmonic-rich waveforms which form the building blocks of ‘classic’ subtractive (i.e. oscillator-filter-based), analogue-style synthesis. This piece, using, amongst other devices, a vintage EMS Synthi AKS analogue semi-modular synthesiser from c.1973 is inspired by the linear and non-linear nature of outputs from detuned and interfering analogue oscillators. 

In an age of long shadows of non-linearity and tipping points, I have found myself returning to the decomposing solids of drones, from the uneven steps of harmonic series microtonality to interfering frequency complexes conjuring phantoms and fractures.

Ramp Waves (for EMS Synthi): Belfast Festival performance

A work-in-progress modular piece based on cycles alternating between transients, textures and pitches.

Residue Fix Guildhall Sept 30th 23

for Bass Clarinet and Live Sound Processing
performed by Paul Roe (Bass Clarinet) and Frank Lyons (Live Sound Processing)

Stung

Frank Lyons

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