zach layton curatorial statement

What is an interval? In music theory we speak of the term interval as the distance between two pitches. A perfect fifth, a major third, etc. But an interval implies more than this. It also implies a gap. A space is created between the two events. What happens in that space? How does this emptiness ultimately create structure? It is with this question in mind that we begin a new music series entitled "Interval" presented by MATA.Ultimately, it can be said of the notion of an interval that it is about relationships. It seems an analogy can be drawn between the relationship between musical pitches and individuals in a creative community. It is our hope that the Interval series will develop into a space where relationships between performers, composers and audiences can grow and harmonize.As this is the first concert in a new series, we felt that it would be interesting to invite composers who have a strong sense of history in their work, using this sensibility as a means of creating an allegorical link between contemporary practice and historical texts. These works are capable of using not only sound as a medium, but also memory and historical reference as a medium. However, we also wanted to invite composers who are actively involved in the vibrant and collaborative contemporary music and new media community in New York. Two composers came to mind, Jessica Pavone and Ray Sweeten.Jessica Pavone's work "Look on the Floor" for pre recorded soprano, soprano and double bass was inspired by Medieval descant and tenor and explores movement through chromaticism and pulse. Her "Song Cycle for String Quartet" is in the composer's words, "inspired by by an interest in folk songs' simplistic beauty and a belief that one’s ability to accompany themselves in song as one of the more natural expressions of music. They highlight the importance that rummaging through dusty vinyl bins growing up has played in my musical development."Ray Sweeten's new song cycle "L'Uomo Ferroso" is based upon Italian translations of heavy metal lyrics, an extension of a collaboration commissioned by the visual artist Jen Liu. These songs range from the stylistic influences of black sabbath, italian disco, Monteverdi and 19th century italian coloratura vocal technique. Sweeten's work as a video artist is also rooted in a notion of the historical, as he deals primarily with an oscilloscope (used as early as 1950 by animator Ben Laposky, and evoking early abstractions by early computer art pioneer John Whitney). As a visual artist working with analog and digital techniques, Sweeten's work presents a stunning intersection between the early roots of the medium and offers mesmerizing glimpses of its future.-Zach LaytonZach's BioZach Layton is a composer, curator and new media artist based in new york with an interest in biofeedback, generative algorithms, experimental music, biomimicry and contemporary architectural practice. His work investigates complex relationships and topologies created through the interaction of simple core elements like sine waves, minimal surfaces and kinetic visual patterns.Zach’s work has been performed by the Cleveland Chamber Symphony and he has performed and exhibited at the Kitchen, Roulette, Art Forum Berlin, the New York Electronic Art Festival, Yerba Buena Center for the Arts, Eyebeam, Sculpture Center, Diapason, Issue Project Room, Bushwick Arts Project, St. Mark’s Ontological Hysterical Theater, Dumbo Arts Festival, New York Digital Salon, Monkeytown, and many other venues in New York and Europe. He has collaborated with LukeDubois, Vito Acconci, Jonas Mekas, Bradley Eros, Andy Graydon, Matthew Ostrowski, Christine Bard, Alex Waterman, Patrick Hambrecht, Marissa Olsen, Angie Eng, Adam Kendall, Chika Ijima, Tristan Perich and Ray Sweeten among many other artists, filmmakers and musicians.Zach is also the curator of Brooklyn’s monthly experimental music series “darmstadt: classics of the avant garde” which features leading local and international composers and improvisers and currently is co curator of the PS1 warmup summer music series. Zach has received grants from the Netherlands Foundation and the Jerome Foundation and is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory and the Interactive Telecommunications Program.