ICM002 by Che Chen

Che Chen was born in New Haven, CT and works at a cancer diagnostics company in Stonybrook, NY. For ICM002, he presents an analog tape composition focusing on his research and application of modified guitar techniques used in Mauritania.

Largely a self- taught musician, Che uses the violin, guitar and other musical and “non-musical” objects in works that explore his interests in perceptual phenomena and improvisation. Much of his solo work has consisted of improvisations based on the harmonic overtones of idiosyncratic tunings.

Che’s interests in difference tones (closely tuned pitches that result in beating patterns), phasing, repetition, decay, the specialization of sounds, and the structural relationship between “audience” and “performer” have led him to use a variety of methods that include using analog tape delay systems, loops and manipulation, placing acoustic and electronic sound sources in various locations around the performance area, and generally eschewing the idea of “the stage.”

Che has toured in the US, Europe and Japan, presenting solo performances and collaborations with Jozef Van Wissem (Heresy of the Free Spirit), Robbie Lee, Chie Mukai, Tetuzi Akiyama and other spontaneous and ongoing configurations. As an anthologist, he has produced the artist magazine O Sirhan and runs his own label, Black Pollen Press, as an outlet for these and other endeavors. He currently plays guitar in the band 75 Dollar Bill.

Curated by Angus Tarnawsky

angustarnawsky.com