Description
glamTURE is an installation of seven augmented turntables that auto-reverse specific sections of records from 1980’s glam metal bands to create a new audio landscape. These turntables are modified so that they auto-reverse after a set period of time, with each turntable’s timing being set via a potentiometer on each player. Each turntable plays forwards and backwards indefinitely during a guitar solo section. All seven turntables continuously play this back and forth pattern on a section of seven different glam metal records.
Each turntable sits on a pink platform that is hung from the ceiling. Each platform is self-contained, having its own speaker system and Arduino control unit. The individual turntable units allow the audience to hear the music from each record that combines to create a shifting soundscape as people move about the space. The configuration of the turntables is flexible and will be laid out to suit the presentation space.
About
glamTURE, a portmanteau created by combining glam metal and torture, is an installation that perpetually auto-reverses specific guitar solo sections from 80s glam rock records on multiple modified turntables concurrently. The repetition of the solos simultaneously amplifies and dilutes the guitar-hero passages and, throughout the course of the exhibition, each record and stylus slowly deteriorates, representing the values and styles of a genre built on juxtapositions. 80s glam rock contradicted itself in its musical style, message and appearance. It promoted cross-dressing and hyper-masculinity simultaneously, the sloppiness of drug and alcohol use was contrasted with the precision of the guitar solos and the care given to make-up and hairstyling. glamTURE examines the pinnacle moment that these bands and their fans anticipated: the guitar solo as the musical and performative climax of each song. The over-indulgent competitive edge that each band claimed as their own unique “genius”.