TECTONIC
An Instrument at the Interface of Geology and Acoustics
TECTONIC, developed by Simon Berz, is an instrument that combines basalt stones with electronic components. It was created in 2015 during Berz’s research stay in Iceland and represents an interdisciplinary approach to sound research.
The instrument utilizes the natural acoustic properties of basalt rock, a volcanic rock that is often millions of years old. These stones are complemented by electronic processing techniques, allowing for an expansion of their natural sound spectrum.
TECTONIC enables the generation of a wide range of sounds, from low-frequency resonances to complex overtone structures. The combination of the physical nature of the stones and the flexibility of electronic sound manipulation opens up new possibilities in sound synthesis and performance.
A notable aspect of TECTONIC is the universal resonance it creates in various cultural contexts. Berz has presented the instrument in diverse countries, including Iceland, Cuba, Indonesia, USA, Japan, Turkey, Germany, France and China. The positive reception across cultural boundaries suggests a potential fundamental human connection to these earth-bound sounds.
This cross-cultural harmonization of TECTONIC sounds raises interesting questions: Are there universal acoustic properties that are perceived as pleasant regardless of culture? To what extent does the geological origin of the sounds influence their perception? These aspects offer starting points for further research in the fields of psychoacoustics and ethnomusicology.
Thus, TECTONIC represents not only a musical instrument but also a research object at the intersection of geology, acoustics, and cultural studies. It enables the exploration of the relationship between natural sound sources and human perception, as well as the investigation of potential universal acoustic preferences.
Shows
> Moränenlandschaft Menzingen 2008
> Grimslestaumaur, Berneroberland 2009
> Val Blenio, Tessin 2019
> KUNSTRAUM LINIE, Berlin 2016
> Multiversal Festival, Istanbul, 2016
> Initiation, Rote Fabrik Zürich 2017
> MusicBox New Orleans 2017
> Sidebar New Orleans 2018
> Wonderland New Orleans 2023
> Gotthard Sasso Christall Saal 2024
Solokonzerte mit Tectonic
> Yes we cannibal Botoun Rouge, US
> Kunsthaus Zofingen, CH
> Kunsthaus Zürich, CH
> Galerie Peking, CN
> Krasnoyarsk, RU
> Patchitan Java, Indonesien
> Denpasar, Bali Indonesien
> Izu Oshima, Tokyo JP