Experimental sewing machine music by Steffi Müller (Munich) and Lisa Simpson (Berlin)
Duet of Amplified Sewing Machines is based on a buzzing collaboration between Munich-based Steffi Müller, Berlin-based Lisa Simpson and an ever-changing combination of underground artists and musicians from all over the world. Lisa and Steffi share a fierce love for sound experiments and improvisation: During their live sessions the sewing machine turns into a sound-making tool – like an electrical guitar, a synthesizer or drums – with endless possibilities to create a range of special and delicate sounds.
Using the sewing machine during their performance also stands for Lisa’s and Steffi’s interest in crossing lines between different artistic disciplines. They use the sewing machines not only as instruments, but also create clothing during the performance, inviting the audience into the garment production process. Both are interested in using textile strategies and material to raise questions around sustainability and feminism while making music. Each garment that is produced during one of their live sessions can be read like an improvised musical score, impossible to repeat.
Lisa Simpson has been playing the Singer, her amplified musical sewing machine, since 2003. Originally from Brazil, she has a master of Applied Arts from Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver and currently lives and works – as a solo act under the name of Agente Costura – in Berlin.
Steffi Müller is a visual artist and sociological researcher based in Munich. Together with Oxford-based song-writer Laura Theis Steffi initiated the experimental music project Beißpony. In 2013 their debut album Brush Your Teeth was released on Chicks On Speed Records.
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