Tralala Blip are a Lismore-based mixed-abilities musical ensemble involved with Urban Theatre Projects and NORPA for the re-imagined My Radio Heart.
A few of the band members spoke with The Echo about their creative endeavours.
How did the band get together?
Randolf: I started running workshops out of Lismore in early 2008 for differently abled artists who wanted to learn how to make electronic music. Tralala Blip evolved out of those workshops.
Were you all playing instruments when you started or is that something you have picked up along the way?
Randolf: When Tralala Blip started, everyone was borrowing stuff from my personal collection of gadgets and instruments but, over the years, the members of Tralala Blip has accumulated their own instruments.
What is the best thing about being in the band?
Lydian: Touring overseas, putting out vinyl and cassettes and CDs and having our music on iTunes.
Mathew: Doing shows such as My Radio Heart obviously. I get to do illustrations for all Tralala Blip recordings. Collaborating with artists from all over the world.
Zac: We played at the 4ZZZ Radio station carpark and then the Sydney Opera House and we will play in Dubbo Jail in October. I get to play my songs in all different places.
Tell me who the members are and what they play?
Phoebe Rose: Homemade square-wave synth, toy Darth Vader mask and Critter and Guitari Kaleidoloop sampler.
Mathew Daymond: Korg MS-20 and Buchla Music Easel
Lydian Dunbar: Roland TR-8 drum computer, Korg Kaossilator Pro, Novation Launch Pad
Zac Mifsud: Yamaha Tenori-On, Frostwave SpaceBeam and Boss distortion pedal.
Randolf Reimann: Ableton Live, DSI Tempest drum machine, Moog Mother 32. Analogic TT-303 and other things, many other things.
What’s your favourite song to perform on stage?
Zac: Oceans Of Love. It’s on our latest album.
Mat: Soccer In Space.
Lydian: Dogboy Soldier and Almost Red. We wrote Almost Red at ZKM for Next City Sounds.
What about touring to places such as Germany? How was that?
Mat: Germany was amazing. We did a residency at ZKM in Karlsruhe. ZKM has incredible exhibitions using all sorts of digital technology. It was mind-blowing. Also, snow fights in the Black Forest were a lot of fun.
Lydian: Playing in Poland at Unsound was awesome too. People love us in Europe.
Zac: Germany was really good. But I did miss my girlfriend.
What should we expect for your performance with My Radio Heart?
Mat: expect to be surprised. It is very original work. You will be in different worlds simultaneously and our music is one of a kind.
Lydian: Expect love.
Saturday at Lismore City Hall 6pm. $25.
