RNCM PRiSM and Drake Music Artists in Residence 2022 Appointed

Vocalist Elle Chante and multi-instrumentalist Luke Moore to join composer Megan Steinberg and Distractfold Ensemble to perform at RNCM PRiSM Future Music #4 Festival on 25 October 2022

18 March 2022

Following our recent open call, we are delighted to welcome Elle Chante and Luke Moore as the new RNCM PRiSM and Drake Music Artists in Residence 2022.

They will be joining composer and RNCM PRiSM Lucy Hale Doctoral Researcher (in collaboration with Drake Music) Megan Steinberg and Distractfold Ensemble in developing and performing Megan’s new work, Outlier, for ensemble and Artificial Intelligence.

It will lead to a performance at RNCM as part of RNCM PRiSM Future Music #4 festival on 25 October 2022.

Elle Chante (left), and Luke Moore (right), RNCM PRiSM & Drake Music Artists in Residence 2022

This artist residency was designed specifically for performers who identify as disabled, d/Deaf and/or neurodivergent. As part of Megan’s ongoing doctoral research, it will focus on putting accessibility at the start of the process and creating new works for professional disabled musicians, with a particular interest in Accessible Musical Instruments.

Megan tells us:

I’m really excited for Luke and Elle to join this ensemble with Distractfold as our PRiSM Drake Music Artists in Residence, they both bring incredible music-making skills and perspectives to this project. We are turning the compositional and rehearsal process on its head by putting accessibility at the start. This involves conversations around accessibility that will influence the music and illustrate the beauty of human individuality. Different scores and instructions will be developed for each performer, based on their needs and preferences; rather than presenting one score in a format that may not be accessible to everyone.

We will be exploring the issue of generalisation in AI. Datasets used in Machine Learning technologies are often not representative and result in reinforcing bias against historically marginalised people, in the form of ableism, racism and sexism. We’ll be using experimental and accessible music processes to create an impactful and adventurous piece. The sound will illustrate the process of generalisation that occurs and ignores people it deems to be ‘outliers’.

Another iteration of Outlier for solo turntable will be performed by Megan in June 2022 at the International Anthony Burgess Foundation. Both versions of the piece will include sound and music generated using Artificial Intelligence alongside live musicians.

This residency is made possible through the AHRC-funded Lucy Hale Doctoral Award in collaboration with Drake Music. RNCM and Drake Music would like to thank everyone who expressed interest – all artists will be invited to participate in the project at another stage.

Drake Music are very excited to partner with PRiSM to support the first DM PRiSM Artists in Residence. It’s a great opportunity for two of our Associate Musicians to be involved in the research and development of new works with composer Megan Steinberg, and we are really looking forward to seeing what comes out of this partnership.

Cat McGill, Interim Head of People and Operations, Drake Music

Elle Chante and Luke Moore meet with Megan Steinberg, Dr Sam Salem (RNCM PRiSM Lecturer in Composition), and Distractfold Ensemble for the first time in March 2022.

Elle Chante

Elle Chante is a musical self-expressionist, model and disability arts activist based in the Midlands, UK. Using her ethereal vocals, lyrics and instrumentation she strives to encompass and share with the audience the world that she lives in.

A strong believer in the power of empathy and community, Elle aims to make music that creates space for people to better understand each other and themselves.

She has just released her EP ‘Becoming’ and is currently working on a self produced EP funded by Youth Music Next Gen, which will be released in August 2022.

I’m very excited to be working on such a different and innovative project with access at the core of its being. Looking forward to working on it alongside amazing artists.

Elle Chante, New RNCM PRiSM & Drake Music Artist in Residence 2022

Luke Moore

Luke Moore is a composer, producer & multi-instrumentalist (cello/bass/guitar/double bass/keys) based in Liverpool. His creative practice also includes filming and producing visuals to accompany live shows.

Previous commissions include collaborating with astrophysicists for a performance at the European Week of Astronomy and Space Science – followed up with participating in a STEM/Arts event at Bluedot Festival – plus new works with themes including Viking history and climate change.

Luke is the founder and artistic director of music/arts collaboration project Operation Lightfoot and one third of the band Skylon. He also specialises in scoring and recording cello and string parts for a range of artists, bands and composers, with previous work being broadcast on BBC 2, Channel 4, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6 music.

Distractfold

Distractfold Ensemble. Photo by Fabio Lugaro.