In the early days of desktop computing with video (1999-2000), People Like Us used relatively primitive techniques of scratch video then Adobe Premiere editing, resulting in a particular lo-fi look which isn’t particularly intentional, but reflective of the process.
Discovering Electronic Music (1999)
“A computer can take over this control work and do it more quickly and accurately than a human being.” The above sentence inspired transforming the source film (also entitled) “Discovering Electronic Music” by collaging it with the horror film “Evil Speak”. The result is a reflection of the overwhelming power of the computer in modern life.
Download the video here
Here are the words:
A computer can take over much of this control work and do it more quickly and accurately than a human being
This computer is connected to and controls envelope generators, filters and electronic oscillators
The composer is telling the computer what kind of sound he wants
Using computer language he is describing a melody he wants to use in a composition
This melody by Bach is one we’ve already heard
The computer can help manipulate this melody in many ways
By using a switch the composer can instruct the computer to play the melody backwards
Or upside down
He can change the pitches
He can play more loudly or softly
(on computer screen):
What are the keys to the kingdom of Satan’s magic?
I, Esteban, have signed the book of death and touched the hand of my master Satan, through the rite of the black mass.
Book of death… sign… book of death… black mass… Esteban… sign… book of death… black mass… Esteban… Esteban… Esteban… Esteban…
Backwards, backwards
(on computer screen):
Satan: here my plea and through the rite of the black mass help me stand erect before my enemy and defy his curse.
(on computer screen):
By the dreadful day of judgement,
By the face of the uholy majesty and
By the beasts before the throne…
By the fire which is about the throne
I conjure and command thee oh prince
of darkness in the name of he who spake
and it was done.
Satan, Lucifer appear forthwith and
show yourself to me.
Blood
Consecrated host
Data incomplete
(on computer screen)
Blood
Consecrated host
Data incomplete
(on computer screen)
ESTEBAN
(on computer screen)
Blood
Consecrated host
Data incomplete
(on computer screen)
Human
Blood
Data incomplete
(on computer screen)
Human Blood
I will return
(on computer screen)
Human Blood
Data incomplete
