Wednesday, February 27, 2013

Boost the Eggplant, er Bass...

The official site for A Place at the Table shared this video on its Facebook page the other day. The video was originally posted via the site Take Part. This remarkable composition by J.Viewz utilzes music-tech tool MaKey MaKey, which makes it possible to turn any object into a synth controller, to construct a music studio out of a bag of groceries. Sliced eggplants operate as bass and kick drums; a carrot strapped to a turntable keeps the steady, spinning beat of the hi-hat.



"It’s a joy to watch him squeeze and prod the edibles to build the trip-hop classic—although we would love to know what prized vegetable variety had the pleasure of controlling Fraser’s haunting voice," said  Take Part's food editor Willy Blackmore.

And perhaps the tunes might find somewhat familiar to you.  Blackmore tells you why:

You may recognize the harpsichord strain as the music that plays over the title credits to the TV show House. Or you may remember it as a dream collaboration between Massive Attack and the Cocteau Twins’ Elizabeth Fraser (that is, if Bristol was the musical capital of the world for you in the 1990s). But no matter your point of reference to the song “Teardrop,” you probably don’t recall it as being played on fruits and vegetables.

You're wondering if there is a message behind the creative endeavor, and you're right.  Food Waste Has to Stop.   According to the World Food Programme, there are 870 million undernourished people worldwide, and yet Americans throw out almost 50% of their food.   How can you get involved?  Go to the site of the video and scroll down to the Take Action button.

No comments: