New Zealand Multi-media Artist & Composer, Jesse Woolston creates under the alias, Koronis.
The outlet ranges from experimental electronic music combined with modern classical compositions, technology driven art and performance.
Facts:
1. In 1821, French Physicist, André-Marie Ampère invented the Solenoid (A long straight coil of wire that can be used to generate a nearly uniform magnetic field).
2. 1 + 1 = 10, 10 + 10 = 100, 100 + 100 = 1000.
3. One of my dog’s name is Newt (Aliens reference).
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
The ways in which natural processes relate to synthetic ones.
With human built technology, the same overall rules are applied much like the evolution of natural organisms and ecosystems.
Such as a plant growing in comparison to an animation.
How they relate to each other and the framework they both abide by is a concept I’m fascinated by.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
Growing up in a musical family meant it was a natural progression for me.
I remember starting on the drums by playing on pots, pans and cardboard until I had the money to buy myself a drum kit.
As I got older, I gravitated toward the piano and composition.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
This is a difficult one. I’ll have to pick my favorite records that I always find myself going back to.
Wes Montgomery – The incredible jazz guitar of Wes Montgomery
Vivaldi – the four seasons (Original & Re-composed by Max Richter)
Anything Philip Glass
Alva Noto – Xerrox Vol. 3
Amon Tobin – Permutation
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
A forward thinking mindset when it comes to technology and art.
I also have an appreciation for Berlin’s artistic aesthetic and to say the least, Germany did quite a bit of good for the classical-era.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Being born and raised in New Zealand , It’s anywhere by the water or in open space.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Art is the most obvious to me.
Working with technology and science to create new, interesting ways to interact with the world is something I’m intrigued by.
The excitement that comes with the unknown and figuring out how processes work as you go is a feeling I haven’t been able to replace. It’s the closest you can get to evolution using the tools that exist.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
I finally got the double vinyl of Nils Frahms – Spaces.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
It would be Ryuichi Sakamoto on a film like The Revenant.
The ways in which Ryuichi and Carsten brought ambient and minimalistic classical elements to film scoring was very inspirational.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
My last show in Los Angeles was a re-composition of a classic animated film from the 1950’s. From start to finish, I created a long running musical piece to play in tand em with the film. While the composition was playing against the film I had a live drummer, guitarist, and myself (on piano) improvising sections of music at key points in the film.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Technology is vital to my process, however, it’s important to recognize it’s place in the work.
When writing there is less of an opportunity for happy accidents and new perspectives that come with recording.
As an example, I’d prefer to work with a violinist on a solo piece than to create it with a program.
Working directly with the musician and their instrument through collaboration means I can have a deeper understand ing of their strengths and weaknesses.
On my new record I used technology as a way to create a dynamic interactive experience.
Utilizing digital and vinyl platforms, I enabled the listener to be able to layer the tracks together and play them back to create new compositions.
The album can be explored through the sounds of experimental electronics and their relationship with modern classical elements as well as it’s playback.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
Yes, I’m the youngest of two other children.
Although, I’m the only one pursuing composition and art, they understand and respect it.
From a very young age I’ve been working with technology, so being in both fields have been very natural for me and for them to watch me grow into.
