Mira Calix has established a new creative platform for her recordings and other works. The portal, or “virtual gallery space” as her press release describes it, is divided into three sections: Music, Materials and Conversations.
The Music section currently features four new works including I Desire No Commendation. Inspired by a painting of Henry VIII’s last wife Catherine Parr, the track features vocals by UK artist Sarah Lucas. Another piece called Just One More Thing is performed by bassist Robert Black, founding member of the New York ensemble Bang On A Can Allstars. In addition, Calix’s Warp back catalogue is also available. The Materials section has limited edition artworks and virtual sleeve art, and Conversation will host a series of recorded talks with various friends and collaborators. Releases across all three sections will appear at regular intervals, but not to a specific schedule. Parts will be available to download for a limited period while other works are streamed.
‘‘The portal seems really appealing as a new space to share my work and those of people I admire,” states Calix. “I’ve been fascinated over the last decade by objectifying sound, with the song as a place and the challenge of building environments. I couldn’t think of anything I wanted to do in the traditional stereo, album format. Most of my output has been installations, with multiple speaker systems[...]
“It occurred to me that a digital portal allows me to release standalone, longer pieces of music without forcing them into traditional formats. Digital gives me the freedom and the opportunity to build a new environment, one where discourse, visual art, text and music can sit side by side with intimacy and immediacy.”
Calix's portal is hosted by Bleep, and content is already available to view. But the portal launch proper happens in the form of a live stream on 6 January.
