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" data-original-title="" title="">Eric Haltmeier, are proud to announce their new release, “Volume 2." This recording evolved from an idea first explored in performance at the International Society for Improvised Music (ISIM) Conference held in Ann Arbor, Michigan in December of 2010. Unlike their musical work on “Volume 1" which was composed collaboratively by sharing musical material (played on woodwinds and electronics) via the Internet, “Volume 2" was conceived as a series of improvisations that were created and performed exclusively using Ableton Live, Novation Launchpads, and digitally sampled sounds.

Scea and Haltmeier developed an individual palette of sounds, effects, and musical ideas within Ableton Live. Also interested in exploring the creative possibilities of the Novation Launchpad, both musicians developed their own systems of using the Launchpad in order to execute the peculiarities of their sound palettes. In the initial phases of this creative process, Scea and Haltmeier worked largely independently in developing the systems and technique necessary to empower the ability to improvise without woodwinds in a way that felt both liberating and creative. After extensive independent work, Space Genetics collaborated in a performance at ISIM using only Novation Launchpads and laptop computers.

Feeling creatively empowered by this collaboration, the duo set out to record a series of improvisations using the same palettes and Launchpad setups used at ISIM. The result is the five pieces included on “Volume 2." Although each piece has qualities that make it unique, the five pieces can be perceived as a suite—there are sonic elements and emergent forms that strive to create a sense of unity and balance.

Visit Space Genetics Music for more information.

Paul Scea is the Director of Jazz Studies at West Virginia University. His recordings with the Grismore/Scea Group and Damon Short are critically acclaimed.

Eric Haltmeier recently accepted a position as Director of Music at the Pingree School in South Hamilton, MA. He has performed with the Car Music Project and the duo “Stop Correcting Me" with Wilbo Wright.