Stephanie Pan

Computer Aided Breathing

Computer Aided Breathing

 

Computer Aided Breathing, a trio devoted to live improvisation, was formed by Kirstin Gramlich (organ and keyboards), Stelios Manousakis (programming and live electronics) and Stephanie Pan (soprano and sampler) in 2006.  The singer and organist are used as live inputs for processing, which consist of a granular engine controlled manually and with the aid of stochastic functions and biology-inspired algorithms, such as L-systems, Cellular Automata and Genetic Algorithms.  The three members met while studying at the Koninklijk Conservatorium, Den Haag, where they all received diplomas in their respective fields.  To date, they have performed using two basic setups: the first being the original, but location limited setup, with pipe organ; the second being with a Hammond emulator.  The trio made their first cd release, Fukuoka Method, on Seven Inch Recordings in March 2007.

Their improvisations focus on mood, ambiance, texture and gesture.  A fundamental aspect is that sonic elements flow from instrument to instrument and migrate from one perceptual quality to the other.  The performers are considered to be part of one sonic environment, playing the same collective instrument.  There are no solos; everyone is allowed to introduce a new element or elaborate on an existing one.

Photos by Konstantin Leonenko