Mem1 seamlessly blends the sounds of cello and electronics to create a limitless palette of sonic possibilities. In their improvisation-based performances, Mark and Laura Cetilia’s uniquely subtle approach to extended cello technique and realtime modular synthesis patching results in the creation of a single voice rather than a duet between two individuals. Their music moves beyond melody, lyricism and traditional structural confines, revealing an organic evolution of sound that has been called “a perfect blend of harmony and cacophony” (Forced Exposure).
Photo: David Thomas
The Oxford University Press’ New Grove Dictionary of American Music describes Mem1 as “a unified cybernetic force, or complex cybernetic entity, comprised of two human artists plus their instruments and systems” whose “evolving, custom-built systems are as important an aspect of the duo’s achievements as their ever-innovative sound. Confounding the complexities inherent in human-machine and human-instrument relationship, Mem1 understands its music as a feedback loop between the past and present.”
Founded in Los Angeles in 2003, Mem1 has toured extensively, performing at Café OTO (London), Issue Project Room (Brooklyn), Roulette (New York), Electronic Church (Berlin), the Laptopia Festival (Tel-Aviv), the Borealis Festival (Bergen), the San Francisco Electronic Music Festival, Los Angeles Contemporary Exhibitions, and REDCAT / Disney Hall (Los Angeles). They have taken part in residencies at Harvestworks (New York), STEIM (Amsterdam), O' (Milan), USF Verftet (Bergen), and SoundFjord (London). Throughout their career, they have collaborated with a variety of artists and musicians including the Penderecki String Quartet, Steve Roden, Stephen Vitiello, Frank Bretschneider, Jan Jelinek, Liora Belford, Kadet Kuhne, and Attila Faravelli. Together, they curate the record label Estuary Ltd. and are the proud parents of one.
http://laura.cetilia.org/
http://mark.cetilia.org/
http://mem1.com/