Xaf
Xavier van Wersch obtained a degree in Sonology at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague after having studied art and philosophy. His work reflects an organical approach to the field of electronic music. In his compositions, performances and installations there is always an element of controlled chaos. He explores the relation between man and machine by conceiving the two of them together as hybrid systems in which erratic behaviour is the principal condition for interaction. Another common theme in his work is recycling. Like a modern Frankenstein, van Wersch constructs his machinery from parts of deceased equipment and disfunctional devices.
By short-circuiting electronic circuits and creating complex feedback networks a certain degree of unpredictability is achieved, obliging you to struggle with your instruments to stay in control, as if they had a will of their own. It is also an attempt to make electronic music in a more physical way, rather than just pushing some buttons.
Most electronic instruments lack the kind of physical resistance that acoustical instruments have. It takes a lot of effort to play the violin, because the instrument really fights back. Buttons are a pretty lousy interface from that point of view. But they can resist you in another way; if they don’t do what you expect them to do. Machines are supposed to do exactly what we tell them to do, that’s exactly why they’re usually so boring. By inducing chaotic behaviour and then trying to stay in control I try to achieve a more interesting situation, one that resembles the universe itself: a big mess but somehow it works.
Besides composing electro-acoustic works, performing and building installations, van Wersch is also involved in producing experimental dance music and creating soundscapes for theatre and film. Occasionally he records, mixes and produces rock groups and he recently picked up a passion for making websites.
esc.rec. releases:
Roughly Rockin’ The Rodeo - cat.# esc.rec.2
Phlux - cat.# esc.rec.3
Steek Vijf - cat.# esc.rec.13
