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Audio-Visual Work

Following on from his work on Overpower, Holbeck utilised sections of audio from the film to experiment with some video synthesis.

Using a Critter & Guitari ‘Eyesy’ video synth, the visuals are created with sound reactive graphics. Working in Python and ofLua, many of the visuals are customised coding, with real-time hardware or midi interaction whilst recording.

Most recently, Holbeck has been creating visuals tailored to experiments in textural soundscapes.

Film Commission: OVERPOWER

Holbeck, Still was commissioned to collaborate with Australian director / writer / producer, Tom Goodall on short film, OVERPOWER.

The film is about two airline pilots who are forced to fight the central computer of a highly automated plane to keep it from crashing to earth. The film is set entirely in the plane’s cockpit and runs as one continuous scene where the tension builds and builds.

Based on true stories and events, the relationship of the pilots and repeated panic-inducing emergencies provide a nerve-wracking watch. Holbeck felt drawn to the ideas of automation vs humans, which matches well with the aesthetic of his work: a sound world of tortured electronics vs traditional instrumental tones seemed a good fit.

The score also utilises the human voice, an unusual element for Holbeck. Featuring the amazing voice of Micah Christian (Sons of Serendip), made possible by Cordaro Rodriguez’ wonderful recordings, there’s a beautiful emotive quality. Below is are a few audio excerpts.

The film was completed in 2021 and is due at various short film festivals.

Original Score: Excerpt from Son of Saul

A more traditional film score than the usual Holbeck style, this piece is an emotive journey responding to the holocaust theme.

In another departure from the typical Holbeck approach, most of the score was made with sample instruments as opposed to hardware. 90% of this score was made using free instruments, hopefully proving that you can achieve a lot without needing to spend a huge amount!

Special thanks to Christian Henson and the Pianobook community. Also, special mention to the trusty Sanyo Talkbook - a microcassette dictaphone used for that perfect lofi piano sound!

Short Film Score: Abiogenesis

Holbeck, Still re-scored this short film as part of BIFSC 2021.

Featuring an array of analog synth sound design, coupled with more traditional instruments, the result is an energetic, stylized and emotional film score that takes you on a journey through a futuristic landscape.

This short film score features Novation Peak sounds, Soma Lyra 8 chords and leads and Ventris Reverb. Software and sample instruments from Plugin Alliance, Pianobook, 8DIO and Spitfire.

For more information on what went into making this piece take a look here.

Audio-Visual Commission: Oracles in Sepia

Holbeck, Still’s response to archive footage, commissioned by Compass Presents.

This is a work in four sections which flow seamlessly in and out of each other to form an 8 min 23 sec piece. 80% of the sounds you hear are all custom sound design, using four synthesizers. The remaining 20% of sounds are Holbeck playing piano and bassoon. This is a piece which has thousands of details with the hope to inspire repeat viewings, and that each time through, you’ll hear and see different things.

You can take a look at the original film here.

For more information on what went into making the piece please see here.

Portrait Series: Exploring Isolation and Identity

Holbeck has been exploring themes of isolation and identity through a series of photographic self-portraits. Examining the ways in which we all hide behind masks and our desire to portray an altered image to the world, the images were taken in his home studio during September 2020. They have an atmosphere and palette that echoes 16th century oil painters, and a tangible undercurrent of isolation. There are currently three portraits and an audio-visual piece.

The audio adds an uneasy, disturbing theme that evokes the discomfort and anxiety that many people feel when isolated with nothing but their own thoughts.