Jaleo

La Banda del Patio x Jaleo¶

La Banda del Patio is a three-person group we formed in the MDEF program. Together with Nicolo and Ana, we go on adventures in circuit-bending and sound communities. We reflect on the state of the world and the state of being in it. We live in deep interconnection that many seem to have taken for granted.

Thus, Jaleo was conceived, our final masters project and our debut public performance as a collective. Jaloe is composed of sound-making instruments that we built from second-hand flea-market objects, discarded items and ubiquitous materials. We find and create sounds in a non-linear way, in randomness and coincidence. It was all a tricky balance of taking risk while taking care. It was also lots of learning by experience, in discovering, breaking and fixing. Not to mention the explosions and smoke, we are grateful to still be injury-free.

Jaleo in Spanish can mean different things, it can mean “fuss” - as Ricky Martin’s song - or it can pertain to a type of Flamenco music. Jaleo is also reminiscent of the Tagalog word halo which means “mix”. It encapsulates the an aspect of the project related to mixing and remixing, in the physical materiality of the objects we tinker with and of the individual ideas each of us has.

(text below generated with Hostinger's AI ✨)

Circuit-Bending

Circuit bending is a technique that involves the creative customization of electronic devices. By intentionally short-circuiting parts of the electronics, new and unexpected sounds are produced. This experimental process can take ordinary devices, like children's toys or discarded gadgets, and transform them into unique musical instruments. For Jaleo, circuit bending serves as the cornerstone of making, enabling the creation of one-of-a-kind sound-producing artifacts.

Crafting the Instruments

Each instrument in the Jaleo collection is meticulously crafted from various scrap materials and used electronics. The process begins with sourcing and selecting potential components, which are then disassembled and modified. Through trial and error, these components are repurposed to create instruments capable of generating a diverse range of sounds. The end result is a set of distinctive pieces that not only look intriguing but also offer an auditory experience unlike any other.

The Final Presentation MDEFest 2024

The culmination of the Jaleo project was marked by the MDEFest 2024: Alquimia. During this event, the artifacts were not only exhibited but also brought to life through an open jam and a live performance. Attendees were treated to a mesmerizing and interactive experience, as the sounds of the circuit-bent instruments filled the room 🎶

Manifesto¶

<< We are living in-between as being a presence in the present: staying in between is a process of Transform-Action, a dynamic happening of alchemy. It’s oscillating across dichotomies to find rebirth, the rebirth of meaning, experiencing, feeling.>>

<<The Transform-Action itself is a process of rebirthing.>>

<<The presence in the present is a gathering space to feel safe and take care (of), where choosing and imperfections are allowed because it is ever-changing. It’s a humble and hopeful belief that this space can grow exactly here in symbiosis.>>

<<Being in-between does not mean to find a margin and choose a point on this line, but moving freely in a grey area not clearly defined. It’s not only guided by knowledge and rationality, but also by instinct, feel and sense.>>

<<The starting point to reach this grey area is material, tangible, but at the same time ready to be reconsidered through virtuality. >>

With the success of the project, we can't wait pursue and discover what's next for Jaleo and La Banda del Patio.

Until next time!