Experimental music: John Berndt & Neil Feather (THUS) at TEDxBaltimore 2014

Neil Feather is an active experimental instrument designer in the U.S. and his collaborator, John Berndt, an intense multi-instrumentalist improviser, is the founder of High Zero festival as well as many other groups. Their chemistry along with the mechanical imperatives of the unusual instruments produces an original sound that is at once otherworldly, funny, and somber. 

In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

[densebutton]

Whenever I read comments on any experimental performance like this, I always think It's very interesting how conditioned we are by mainstream culture as to what the definition of 'music' is. Music is creating sound with intention. That's it. Whether you like it or not is another matter, there is no accounting for taste. I personally find experimental music or sound art extremely interesting, not always 'pleasant' but art does not need to be pleasant to be appreciated.

[gregorygaddyturner]

I saw these guys in St. Louis back in 2005. My mind was BLOWN! Still is.

[firemouse]

It's definitely an acquired taste. The finer things always are

[marynymphection]

the beauty of music is to break barriers! <3

[wjodon]

The instruments are brilliant. The po faced anomie is something for them to overcome. I would love to hear a joyful performance on Neil's instruments.

[magnetitic]

it sounds like something from an ancient culture. i just picture a tribe sitting playing something like this

[hotegg]

it's like jazz with weird instruments

[elipayne]

"the computer thing will probably go away pretty soon" 😂

[jpgoncalves]

Can anyone explain me what is experimental music and why some people find this fascinating?

[jakomaron]

whoa too cool. suprisingly musical finaly.

[Aaronjbrowne]

Very cool. Interesting
Johnny Greenwood would love that gear

[shashankkothari]

This is what comes to my mind when I think about songs aliens compose.

[Justwantahover]

I'm going to play my drums stuff with this to give it some rhythm, baby. It will be some mad house music and I will upload it with a link to the original below.

[saxxx]

hybrid sounds tend to generate a natural experimental music not a concoction

[edperry]

Problem is, if you criticise this kind of performance you're accused of being ignorant.
A lifetime of work is required to play a conventional instrument with great skill. These guys obviously spend a lot of time devising new instruments - and that's commendable- but the "playing" does not require much of them (maybe that's not the point). Or maybe one could say, anyone could produce a similar performance to this one...
Anyway, I'd prefer the term "soundscape" to "music". But they seem happy enough and there are a few people here that were impressed. Good for you. I find a lot of music uplifting, this I found gloomy...
Each to his own.

[zvavie--msmsmsms]

Beyoncé needs to hop on this instrumental

[keestel]

This sounds to me like Scottish Islay Whisky tastes. End of comment.

[Phishman]

pretty much just creating sounds, i wouldnt call it music lol. pretty interesting, but not really something id listen to on my way to work

[ollykell]

Well isn't this guy wasting his life.

[faridsh.]

Creating all strange and un pleasant sounds is not a music.