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Flaming Lips interactive LED sculptures

In a collaborative venture with Wayne Coyne of the Flaming Lips, we embarked on an ongoing project to create a series of sound-reactive lighting sculptures. Each sculpture operated as a standalone music box unit, equipped with an embedded microcontroller. This setup enabled the precise triggering of audio and lighting effects based on the frequencies detected in the songs, which were stored on a removable SD card.

Our primary focus was on creating custom-built sculptures where the lighting dynamically interacted with onboard audio through FFT (Fast Fourier Transform) analysis. This integral process involved designing custom sound reactive controllers for the RGB lighting and designing the audio playback system, adding dynamic visual and audible elements to the sculptures. Our work encompassed everything from custom circuit design, software development for sound processing and lighting control, precision CNC routed circuit housing, and the molding and casting of sculptural objects in crystal-clear resin.

Working with my production studio LadyBrain Studios, we worked with various mediums such as circuit design, custom programmed sound processing, CNC routed circuit housing, molded and cast crystal clear resin designs. Thanks to Haley Moore, the co-founder of LadyBrain Studios and to programmers Oguz Yetkin, Adam Love, and Ed Krohne.  

 

Freshly cast flaming lips skull

Later red versions of the Flaming Lips Skulls

Prototype 1 and V2
Flaming Lips skull Prototype V1 and V2
Darcy Neal and Haley Moore of LadyBrain Studios
Darcy Neal and Haley Moore of LadyBrain Studios

 

 

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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

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XioiX

XIOIX was a unique performance art collaboration between Darcy Neal, Lily Taylor, and Haultaine III. Our collective works delved into the exploration of the self’s inner dynamics, articulating the unspoken realities that shape our existence. The performances were characterized by their use of sculptural elements and custom-built interfaces, combined with a deliberate arrangement of performers and audience. This strategic setup was aimed at creating an immersive and captivating experience for those in attendance.

Our creative journey culminated in the release of an album through Fantasy 1 Records, based in Austin, TX. This album encapsulates the essence of our collaboration and is available for those interested in experiencing the innovative fusion of performance art and expressive soundscapes crafted by our collective efforts.