Original Works
I enjoy bridging the gap between acoustic vocal resonance (estimated human beginnings, as we know it, between 50,000 -2 million years ago...) and newer forms of electronic expression. Here are two excerpts of longer-form works I composed, developed, and recorded with Ableton Live.
"ROOTED"
"Nice rhymes about meditation" -NY Theater Wire
Composition, Vocals, Production & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen), 2020.
This excerpt is from a 9-minute original music composition, based on the "Root Chakra" (primal, ancestral, “roots” energy). Created in collaboration with American Tap-Dancer Samara Seligsohn, Seligsohn commissioned this original work for her original choreographic premiere of "Invitation to go deeper" in the Mare Nostrum Emerging Choreographers Series. The fully recorded piece premiered at LaGuardia Arts Center in L.I.C., Queens, NY on 2/24/2020, with a live Tap-Dance performance featuring five dancers.
For this piece, I used Ableton Live to single-handedly record, produce, and mix all of the music with: 60+ layers of my own voice, acoustic & factory instruments, and integrated electronic effects.
"Heart 2 Heart"
"Bathed in a green sci-fi glow, the identically dressed duo danced to the kind of music-box tune that usually cues the entrance of the homicidal clown." -Financial times
(*NOT what I was going for LOL...).
Composition, Vocals, Production & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen), 2019.
This excerpt is from a 6-minute piece based on the "Heart Chakra" (connection, love, compassion). It was commissioned by American Tap Dancer/Choreographer Samara Seligsohn for her original choreographic premiere at the Tap City Music Festival, Symphony Space, NYC July 11, 2019.
This was my first attempt at a longer form electro-acoustic composition using Ableton Live. I created the piece by recording acoustic instruments (my voice, baritone saxophone) and factory instruments. I found it exciting utilizing electronic effects like added reverb and filters to add "other-worldly" elements to the nature of this recorded piece.
I write original songs, lyrics, and arrangements. I am developing my electronic production skills.
DEMO: Enough
Song (Music/Lyrics), Voice, Arrangement, Production, & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen).
Demo Recording, 2019.
2. DEMO: Alright
Song (Music/Lyrics), Voice, Arrangement, Production & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen).
Unreleased Demo Recording, 2019.
Original Works
I utilize a "loop/effects pedal" as an instrument to share what the human voice can create -on its own. These improvised vignettes often feature polyphonic melodies layered over meditative drones, ostinatos, and syncopated rhythms. Drawing on my background as a jazz vocalist and improviser, I enjoy celebrating the "gift" of the present moment and encourage audience participation. With this project, I have performed in collaboration with meditative yoga classes (75mins, continuous improvisation), "busked" in public venues, and integrated loop-station improv into live performances with contemporary jazz /pop bands and dancers.
Recent Live Performance: St. Louis Fringe Music Festival
Live Improvisation at St. Louis Fringe Festival Aug. 16th, 2022. Featuring a 20-minute set of completely improvised music featuring voice, loop station, guitar, and effects pedals. This performance art initiative invited the audience to witness the creative process of two musicians collaborating on an improvised music set. Incorporating the physical presence of the audience and ensuing mood with intentional set design, stream of consciousness musical forms created a meditative composition on the spot.
ANAAM (Cara Dineen)-Voice/Loop Station
Matthew VonDoran -Guitar/Loop Station
Filmed by: Zach Xanders
Audio: Thomas Pini
Set Design: ANAAM (Cara Dineen)
Previous Engagements:
Sacred Sounds Yoga (Greenwich Village)
NYC MTA Subway System
Prospect Park (Brooklyn)
Feinsteins 54 Below (Manhattan)
MS Europa 2 Cruise Ship (International)
Collaboration
I enjoy collaborating with artists across all disciplines.
Recurrent themes of my work include:
• Exploring the Metaphysical and intersections of Mind, Body, & Spirit.
• Examining the Mind-Body Connection by working with Dancers/Yogis and within other Somatic Disciplines.
• Incorporating intentional Stage, Lighting, and Set Design to encompass performances and to develop 'Total Works of Art'.
Please reach out directly on the contact page to discuss potential collaborative opportunities.
I've listed two collaborative examples below, which are also found in the "Electro-Acoustic Compositions & Production" Tab above.
"ROOTED"
"Nice rhymes about meditation" -NY Theater Wire
Composition, Vocals, Production & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen), 2020.
This excerpt is from a 9-minute original music composition, based on the "Root Chakra" (primal, ancestral, “roots” energy). Created in collaboration with American Tap-Dancer Samara Seligsohn, Seligsohn commissioned this original work for her original choreographic premiere of "Invitation to go deeper" in the Mare Nostrum Emerging Choreographers Series. The fully recorded piece premiered at LaGuardia Arts Center in L.I.C., Queens, NY on 2/24/2020, with a live Tap-Dance performance featuring five dancers.
For this piece, I used Ableton Live to single-handedly record, produce, and mix all of the music with: 60+ layers of my own voice, acoustic & factory instruments, and integrated electronic effects.
"HEART 2 HEART"
Composition, Vocals, Production & Software Instruments: ANAAM (Cara Dineen), 2019.
This excerpt is from a 6-minute piece based on the "Heart Chakra" (connection, love, connection, compassion). It was commissioned by American Tap Dancer/Choreographer Samara Seligsohn for her original choreographic premiere at the Tap City Music Festival, Symphony Space, NYC July 11, 2019.
This was my first attempt at a longer form electro-acoustic composition using Ableton Live. I created the piece by recording acoustic instruments (my voice, baritone saxophone) and factory instruments. I found it exciting utilizing electronic effects like added reverb and filters to add "other-worldly" elements to the nature of this recorded piece.