I received the equipment that Kate used to create her multidisciplinary art, and I’m now using it to share my music process—a step-by-step journey of learning and experimenting with these tools. In honor of Kate and those who knew her, I’m exploring ways to use her loops, microphones, and mixers to deepen my understanding of sound and creati
Thank you, Matthieu, and thank you to the members of Bred in the Bone Theatre Company
Kate Radford was “multi-award winning artist, poet, and performer. Rooted in using words and sounds as a seismic catalyst for shifting cultural narratives that have prophesied women’s lives, and transferring psychic shadows into light. Influences include mythology, philosophy on literature and word, somatic practices, ritual practice and land practice in combination with technology and contemporary art.”
She took her own life in 2021. She was only 32 years old.
Process Music...
Improvised Music: A Process for Healing and Creativi
Exploring the Art of Pure Improvisation in Music
THE VERT BEGINNING
1. November 1st 2023 - Wroclaw
Foot Pedal Looper Exercise
Exploring the Boss RC-30 Two-Pedal Looper After 5 Years
I recently revisited the Boss RC-30 two-pedal looper, a device I last worked with five years ago. Despite the gap, I quickly remembered the basic functions and, after a bit of experimentation, ended up with a short recording.
Is this a finished piece of music? Certainly not! It’s more of an exploration into looping and the capabilities of the Boss RC-30.
2. November 3, 2023 - Wrocław
Voice Looper Exercise
Time for Loop Station: Exploring the Boss RC-505 for Music Creation
For the past week, I’ve been exploring the Boss RC-505 loop station, taking a slow and careful approach. I started by reviewing the manual and watching tutorials. Finally, on the night of November 3, 2023, everything clicked, and I was able to effectively use sound effects and loop processing to create unique music.
In this exercise, I set up five loop tracks, each featuring my voice processed in real-time with various effects. This allowed me to experiment with electronic instruments, quirky beatboxes, and even a choir-like sound. One of the beats I implemented in the console can be heard in the background.
This is not a finished piece of music—just an exploration of the capabilities of the Boss RC-505 and its sound manipulation features.
3. November 6, 2023 - Wroclaw
Exercise - Loop Station
This time it’s a video. Natural progression.
I recorded looped tracks using the Travel Kora and then play the loops with Kora live and Birbyne live on top. I still see it as practice. Recording it helps me focus on growing and doing it. I see how video is taking away the practice aspect. (It is good to work on it to)
The sound may be different for you than for me. When I record and listen in my headphones (live), I also hear the sounds of the instruments or my voice coming from through my bones or coming through the headphones. My headphones don’t isolate the outside very well. So, please forgive me if something is not clear, unclean or too quiet.
I hope it’s watchable.
All the best… enjoy…
4. November 7, 2023 - Wroclaw
"Echoes of Air" - Instant composition
A friend asked me to compose or improvise music for his short film, and I gladly agreed—seeing it as a great creative opportunity. After watching the film three times to get a feel for it, I gathered my gear: RC-505 voice looper, ADK Vienna MK 8 microphone, and a few wind instruments, just in case.
I started with the Travel Kora, improvising a theme as I watched the film. Once I had recorded the five-minute piece, I felt it needed something more, so I layered the Birbyne over the Kora track, adding accents. The Kora took the lead, while the Birbyne provided texture. To complete the composition, I added the Bulgarian Kaval and bamboo flute to further enhance the sound. This entire process of creating the music felt deeply intuitive, a true example of process music that emerged naturally as I worked.
5. November 8, 2023 - Wroclaw
About
Voices
I began with a spontaneous practice session using a voice looper. I created loops that became the foundation for further improvisation. Incorporating the kora, my voice, and a bamboo flute, I played over the loops, and the music naturally emerged. It felt like the essence of process music—building layer by layer, each step unfolding into the next.
Instruments:
African travel kora
Transverse bamboo flute
6. November 10, 2023 - Wroclaw
Memories...
About
This time, I’m using a MIDI keyboard and Looper connected to my computer to explore loops with electronic sounds. This is just a small part of my ongoing exploration.
Instruments:
Bulgarian Kaval, transverse bamboo flute, Birbyne, Midi Keyboard, Looper rc-505
7. November 11, 2023 - Wroclaw
Evoke memories...
About
Today, I’m listening to the loop I created yesterday, and it’s quite moving. I discovered a cool texture effect and incorporated it into the track. Here’s the result.
Note: While recording this description, I held the microphone by hand, so there’s a bit of distortion.
Instruments:
Bulgarian Kaval
Midi Keyboard
RC-505 Looper
8. November 12, 2023 - Wroclaw
Ahead U turn
Practicing with the travel kora and looper today, I discovered a reverse playback feature and decided to experiment with it.
Instruments:
Travel Kora
RC-505 Looper
9. November 14, 2023 - Wroclaw
Why Not beat?
Traditional music with a touch of modernity.
Today, I started by practicing with a frame drum and a looper. After looping the drum, I added bamboo flute and Lithuanian Birbyne to layer the sound. The Bulgarian Kaval then took the lead as the solo instrument. Inspired by the rhythm, I added a beatbox sound and incorporated an electronic beat to complement the track.
Instruments:
Frame Drum
Bulgarian Kaval
Bamboo Transverse Flute
Lithuanian Birbyne
Gear:
RC-505 Looper
Shure SM58 Microphone
ADK Vienna Mk 8 Microphone
10. November 17, 2023 - Tarnów
I was drawn to play the kora and set it up with the looper, experimenting with a 7/4 beat. At first, it felt awkward, but soon something clicked. I began recording simple loops to build the foundation of a track. Seeking more depth, I added an old piano sample I’d found by chance, which fit perfectly at the beginning and end, adding warmth and richness.
Then, almost instinctively, I felt compelled to include a fragment of Kit Radford’s poem Coming of Age. It was as though her words were meant to be part of this creation. I found the poem online, played it alongside the track, and everything just came together. Closing with the final line of her poem sent a shiver down my spine, confirming it was the right choice.
This was a spontaneous, heartfelt tribute to Kit and her spirit.
Journey...
Journey...
I was drawn to play the kora and set it up with the looper, experimenting with a 7/4 beat. At first, it felt awkward, but soon something clicked. I began recording simple loops to build the foundation of a track. Seeking more depth, I added an old piano sample I’d found by chance, which fit perfectly at the beginning and end, adding warmth and richness.
Then, almost instinctively, I felt compelled to include a fragment of Kit Radford’s poem Coming of Age. It was as though her words were meant to be part of this creation. I found the poem online, played it alongside the track, and everything just came together. Closing with the final line of her poem sent a shiver down my spine, confirming it was the right choice.
This was a spontaneous, heartfelt tribute to Kit and her spirit.