Author: darcy

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Digital Mirror

 

The Digital Mirror is a reflection of oneself distorted through the lens of technology.  We see the essence of self through the lens of the computer, distorted and broken down into a series of pixels that bend and distort to create an otherworldly view into our digital psyche.  This project has served as the display for several projects, including the #lovebomb twitter map display, Digital Mirror mirror for the TWU Circuit Breaker art show, an interactive display at Toorcamp2018 and at the Work/Play exhibition at Paragon Arts Center, and now on display at CTRLH.

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Exploring Analog Electronics Workshop

In this workshop, students embarked on the journey of creating their first interactive audio circuit. They began by assembling a circuit on a breadboard, which was provided to them during the session. An integral part of the learning experience was gaining an understanding of how to read and interpret electronic schematics. This foundational knowledge allowed them to effectively use a breadboard for prototyping, which is a crucial skill in electronics.

As the workshop progressed, attendees learned how to modify their circuit to produce various effects, delving into the creative and technical aspects of sound production. Additionally, they were introduced to a range of alternative materials capable of generating sound, expanding their understanding of the possibilities within audio circuitry.

This particular workshop has continually evolved and was originally presented during the New Media Art & Sound Summit in Austin, TX. Each iteration aims to build upon the last, ensuring that participants not only learn the basics but also explore the expanding boundaries of interactive audio and electronics.

 

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ULNAE

Ulnae was a captivating fusion of performance art and music, born from the collaborative talents of Darcy Neal, a cellist and electronic instrument maker, and Lily Taylor, a synth looping songstress. Their distinctive style spanned a wide spectrum, from the haunting beauty of ethereal layered vocals to the avant-garde edge of experimental noise. Central to Ulnae’s performances was the integration of live-manipulated visuals, enhancing the auditory experience. The duo further augmented their shows with amplified movements, handcrafted headdresses, and other visual elements, creating a multi-sensory experience that transcended traditional performance boundaries. This collaboration stood as a testament to the innovative possibilities at the intersection of music, art, and technology.

ULNAE from our show @ the Green House in Austin for HIQC multimedia showcase.  Photo by VJ Greekfire 

Projections by Sean Miller

Video Featuring a Personal Insight into the Significance of Ulnae in My Work, Discussion Starts at 2:27

Early Live Performance by Ulnae: A Noisy Set at the Green House in Austin, TX for HIQC’s Multimedia Art Show, 2012 – Live Video Captured by VJ Greekfire

Ulnae Live Performance at the Moncayo House

ULNAE was featured on the Gutterth Compilation 4, which is a great time capsule of some of the music that was happening in Denton around that time.

 Dallas Observer Interview with ULNAE

Explore Our Past Performances: Comprehensive Show Listings Available at ulnaemusic.com

ulnae business card and cd

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Solo music of Darcy Neal

Always experimental.  Constantly performative. Frequent soundscapes.  Rarely beats.

Rock Lottery @ Dan's Silverleaf in Denton, Tx
Image from Rock Lottery @ Dans Silverleaf in Denton, Tx
From their Mexico city tour in 2017
From their Mexico city tour in 2017
Image from A/V Party at Open Signal 2018. Visuals by Megan McKissack
Image from A/V Party at Open Signal 2018. Visuals by Megan McKissack
Image from experimental performance with Brian Nothin at Pariah Studios in Dallas, Tx 2016
Image from experimental collaboration at Pariah Studios in Dallas, Tx 2016

More tracks on Bandcamp

 

Darcy Neal Bandcamp

Dallas Observer music blog article/interview about my artwork and electronics

“Their sounds are dark, sweltering climaxes of electronic frequencies, with underlying cello roots, carrying the sound deep through the psyche of the listener.  Their name means ‘Dark One’ and their sounds reflect just that.  Sometime in 2007, they discovered the art of circuit bending, and instantly became fascinated with electronics, and since then have completely dedicated their craft to developing audio electronic circuits and building obscure instruments that deal with physical interactions to control its functions, and have expanded their focus to include the sensual influence of light incorporated with sound. They actively play electric cello and handmade electronics and performs under their full name.  Darcy Neal is a primarily self-taught artist, a musician, and an avid electronics enthusiast.”

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Bludded Head

I performed electric cello with Bludded Head for their first two albums while living in Tx.

“Avid performer of epic doom/drone composed for the electric cello in the doom metal band, Bludded Head. Our self-titled debut album was released on May 29, 2012. The album was recorded by Matthew Barnhart at Echo Labs directly onto 2” tape and was then mastered using all analog equipment in Dallas at A&R records. The artwork was created by Gillian Hill, Nevada Hill’s daughter, and screen-printed by Nevada Hill. The record was recorded at 45rpm for high fidelity. So for even more doom, you could listen to it at 33 1/3rpm.”


Our record/digital download is available through our Bludded Head Bandcamp page.

We also released a tape of our second album called Bludded Death.  The group went on to record a third album and tour until Nevada passed away in 2016.

Bludded Head Facebook

Bludded Head Violitionist Sessions

 

Bludded Head

Original lineup with Mike Forbes, Nevada Hill, and Darcy Neal.

The lineup for the second album: Beth Dodds, Darcy Neal, Ryan Williams, and Nevada Hill.

bludded head

Some of the shows we played together:

2013:

4/27 – Norman Music Festival, Norman, OK

4/26 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ BORIS, Thrones & Pinkish Black

4/19 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Akkolyte, Sans Soleil & Cerulean Giallo

3/29 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Bitch Teeth, Cerulean Giallo & Vaults of Zin

3/12 – Bryan Street Tavern, Dallas, TX w/ Zs & Guardian Alien

2012:

12/8 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Seth Sherman, Pageantry & Team Tomb

12/6 – Bryan Street Tavern, Dallas, TX w/ Terminator 2 & Yuggothian

10/20 – 1919 Hemphill, Ft Worth, TX w/ No Babies & Squeeky Vomme

10/05 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Inter Arma & Baring Teeth

9/22 – Double Wide, Dallas, TX w/ Here Holy Spain & The Dangits for Riot-Fest Afterparty

8/27 –  Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios Denton, TX  Return Tour show w/ Terminator 2, Cloud Rat & Forbes/Young/Gonzalez
Trio

8/26 – Lincoln, NE w/ Violator X & Terminator 2

8/25 – Situations Gallery, Chicago, IL w/ Unmanned Ship, Terminator 2 & Disrobe

8/23 – Mahall’s 20 Lanes, Lakewood, OH w/ Fascist Insect, Terminator 2 & Shadows

8/22 – Art Gallery, Buffalo, NY impromptu show w/ Terminator 2

8/21 – Death By Audio, Brooklyn, NY w/ Child Abuse, Little Women & Terminator 2

8/20 – Silk City, Philadelphia, PA w/ Celebrator, Terminator 2, Landmine & Solum Mortum

8/19 – Voice of the Valley, Fairview, WV w/ Terminator 2 & more

8/18 – The Tree Bar, Columbus, OH w/ Cavernous Body, Deprecator, Headtaker & Terminator 2

8/17 – Ethans Joint, Memphis, TN w/ Stepsister, Cole Wheeler & Terminator 2

8/4 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Akkolyte, Terminator 2 & Shiny Around the Edges

7/24 – J&J’s Pizza, Denton, TX w/ Nervous Curtains & Buildings

5/26 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Shiny Around the Edges and Mortville

5/8 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Racebannon, Vaults of Zin & Akkolyte

4/27 – The Barn, Denton, TX w/ Sister Fucker, Generation, Eccotone & Forbeshillcahoon

4/10 – Rubbergloves Rehearsal Studios, Denton, TX w/ Lechuguillas, Terminator 2, Eccotone & Secret Cakes

3/11 – Guerilla by 35, Paperstain Records Day Show, Denton, TX w/ Cherokee Lincoln Killers, Terminator 2, Eccotone, Lil Tedly,  & Bukkake Moms