Janek Schaefer

Janek Schaefer is a London based sound artist and was born in England to Polish and Canadian parents in 1970. He is known for his innovative turntablism (his triphonic turntable being the most famous) but also for his interest in audio architectural research concerned by relationships with a built environment such as bringing live sounds into buildings from outside through hidden microphones.

About

While studying architecture at the Royal College of Art RCA annual prize, he recorded the fragmented noises of a sound activated dictaphone travelling overnight through the Post Office. That work, titled 'Recorded Delivery' [1995] was made for the 'Self Storage' exhibition Time Out critics choice with one time postman Brian Eno and Artangel.

Since then the multiple aspects of sound became his focus, resulting in many releases, installations, soundtracks for exhibitions, and concerts using his self built/invented record players with electroacoutisc collage. The 'Tri-phonic Turntable' 1997 is listed in the Guinness Book of Records as the 'World's Most Versatile Record Player'. He has performed, lectured and exhibited widely throughout Europe [Sonar, Tate Modern, ICA] , USA/Canada, [The Walker, XI, Mutek, Princeton] , Japan, and Australia Sydney Opera House.

The context of each idea is central to its development and resolution. His concerts and installations explore the spatial and architectural aspect that sound can evoke and the twisting of technology. Hybrid analogue and digital techniques are used to manipulate field recordings with live modified vinyl and found sound to create evocative and involving environments. His CD 'Above Buildings' 2000 was released on Fat Cat to considerable praise The Guardian CD of the week.

He plays in a duo with Philip Jeck "Songs for Europe" CD 2004, and with Stephan Mathieu "Hidden Name" CD 2006, and formed 'Comae' the improvisational electroacoustic duo with Robert Hampson [Main] from 1999 - 2003.

Awards

Janek was selected as the 'Sound Designer of the Year' by Creative Review in 1999, and was awarded the 'McKnight Composer in Residence' for the American Composers Forum, USA 2002/3. He won an 'Honorary Mention' [Above Buildings, 2001] and an 'Award of Distinction' [Skate, 2004] at the Prix Ars Electronica competition. 'Vacant Space' was nominated for The British Composer of the Year Awards 2007.

Releases

Janek runs his own label [audiOh!Recordings] ] and web site [audiOh.com] as well as releasing work with FatCat Records, Asphodel, Sub Rosa, Staalplaat, Hot Air, Sirr, Rhiz, Alluvial, DSP, Bip_Hop, Diskono and Cronica, Line, Innova.

Currently

He currently works as a full time sound artist/sound designer/musician/visiting lecturer and composer from the audiOh! Room in London.

External links

* Janek Schaefer's website: http://audiOh.com/
* [http://www.some-assembly-required.net/blog/2008/02/episode-62-some-assembly-required.html Radio Feature] The Some Assembly Required Interview with Janek Schaefer.