For this edition of the Idle Chatter artist-curated series, we invited NYC-based artist Muyassar Kurdi to choose the composer and performances of her liking, with the condition that she also include some of her own work.
Muyassar Kurdi (b. 1989 in Chicago) is a New York City-based interdisciplinary artist. Her work encompasses sound art, extended vocal technique, performance art, movement, photography, and film. She has toured extensively in the U.S. and throughout Europe.
A versatile improviser, Kurdi has composed and performed music for voice, harmonium, piano, lyre, autoharp, theremin, bass, and cello. She currently focuses her attention to interweaving homemade electronic instruments and sculpture into her vocal and dance performances, stirring a plethora of emotions from her audience members through vicious noise, ritualistic chants, and meditative movements. Recent works include: SEVEN VOICES, a multi-channel project for seven voices, which was recorded during her artist residency at EMS in Stockholm February 2018. A cassette release entitled Travelling on No Rent Records and Intersections and Variations, a collaborative work released on Astral Spirits in early 2018.
For REALITY TUNNELS, Kurdi put together a 44-minute compilation featuring a diverse group of contemporary experimental composers from around the world, including: Esmeralda Conde Ruiz (UK), Sukitoa o Namau (Morocco), Meira Asher (Israel), Sharon Gal (UK), Lucie Vitkova (Czech Republic), Nima Ikki (Mexico), Diana Policarpo (Portugal) Yasunao Miyauchi (Japan), Elie Gregory (UK), Anastasia Clarke, Ka Baird and Muyassar Kurdi (USA). As enthralling as it is challenging, this compilation demands a deep listening experience while serving as a guide to some of the most interesting experimental works being created around the world.
credits
released April 1, 2019
Curated by Muyassar Kurdi
Cover Art: 35mm film photo by Muyassar Kurdi
Layout/Design: by Joao M. Da Silva
All composition copyright owned by the individual artist.
supported by 6 fans who also own “Reality Tunnels (Idle Chatter 005)”
My humanities professor showed me this piece and i cannot stop coming back to it. Something deep and alluring of this piece keeps me wanting more. Absolutely one of my favorite cuts from last year. Ra!
Cinematic dark ambient music from Melbourne artist Claire Deak that summons shadowy worlds full of mystery & intrigue. Bandcamp New & Notable Oct 15, 2023
Inspired by Steve Reich and Terry Riley, this contemporary composer and violinist creates pensive, minimal-but-emotional work. Bandcamp New & Notable May 25, 2016
supported by 5 fans who also own “Reality Tunnels (Idle Chatter 005)”
Another Moor Mother release, this time an EP containing three free-form pieces inspired by the writings of the same name by Rasheedah Phillips of the BQF (Black Quantum Futurism) Organisation. The work is available as a PDF with the release download. Gavin Hellyer