Modulator-ESP

Started by Anodize DB, November 30, 2010, 03:04:37 PM

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Anodize DB

In the spirit of my recent post on Peter Challoner (perhaps a sub-thread should continue as a 'critique' of current U.K. electronic/ambient musicians...?), I present to you another artist all of you should inquire about herewith, namely one Jez Creek, who records as Modulator-ESP (also the name of his Hypnos moniker).

Having known Jez the past few years, specifically after spending time with him at the last two Electro-Music festivals here in the Northeast U.S., I can assuredly vouch for his most accomplished chops as one of the U.K.'s prime synth experimentalists. Jez effortlessly flows between various genres/worlds, forging new takes on the old Berlin School axiom as Astrogator (alongside fellow synthesist Steve Humphries, aka Creator, yet another extremely talented bloke) as well as a member of U.K. space music 'supergroup' Quadra (featuring John Sherwood, of ambientlive.com, and Brendan Pollard). But it as Modulator-ESP where he really makes his mark—ESP stands for Experimental Synthesis Project for a reason, mainly due to Jez's stubborn refusal to kowtow to any current/past trends in either 'old-school' or 'new-school' electronica. Live performances find him twisting variants of Zeit-era TD into thick, rubbery skeins of sound that suggest Robert Henke and even Namlook's more exploratory excursions. More often than not, however, his music defies easy pigeonholing; he's one of a few synthesists who dig deep into their machines to yield what electronic music does best: unearth hitherto unheard-of sounds, motifs, textures, and progressions.

Jez offers alot of his music as free downloads, but he also has a number of recordings available, which I strongly urge beg investigation, via his site: http://modulator-esp.co.uk/home.htm. Many folks trawling this & other forums seem to desire things 'new', 'different', 'uncategorizable', hell, even 'provocative'—Jez's music certainly fits the bill. Let the discussion/opinions begin.
DARREN BERGSTEIN
> Anodize / tactile visual audio /  www.anodizesound.com / www.otperiphery.com
> Groupthink / wayward electroacoustic murmurings / www.groupthinksounds.com
> e: anodizesound@verizon.net

modulator_esp

Thanks for the plug Darren, it is much appreciated :)

drone on

I too love Mod ESP's stuff from what I've heard on Awakenings.  Any recommendations/faves of his catalog?

jkn

I heard some of Jez' set at City Skies ... really enjoyable.  I love hearing live music.
John Koch-Northrup .: jkn [AT] johei.com .: owner / artist .: http://relaxedmachinery.com .: http://twitter.com/jkn .: http://flickr.com/johei

Anodize DB

Quote from: drone on on December 07, 2010, 12:29:35 AM
I too love Mod ESP's stuff from what I've heard on Awakenings.  Any recommendations/faves of his catalog?

That's a toughie. Jez really is all over the proverbial map, genre-wise; in fact, if there's really one constant with his music is that he's deeply enthralled with synthesis & sound creation. He consistently creates very unique environments that morph and pulse, straddling numerous variations on the tried-and-true aesthetics of 'space music' & 'post'-Berlin School (if that makes sense). Throw a dart & choose one: I doubt you'd be dissatisfied. He also has numerous soundclips on his site, so there's plenty to peruse before parting with your cash. :)
DARREN BERGSTEIN
> Anodize / tactile visual audio /  www.anodizesound.com / www.otperiphery.com
> Groupthink / wayward electroacoustic murmurings / www.groupthinksounds.com
> e: anodizesound@verizon.net

modulator_esp