There are very few whose work has been as diverse but as consistent as Bob Ostertag's. Whether working as a free improvisor or a social justice activist, exploring multi-media performances or conspiring with the Yes Men, teaching kayaking or Cultural Studies, there is a strong will and commitment that as musicians and artists we all aspire for. His approach to instrument building and technology has always been through performing and musical needs, and his comments towards today's computer based music are insightful. We are extremely happy to have Bob back at STEIM to talk about his new book and also be involved in a dialogue with our new research group.
Bob Ostertag
Composer, performer, historian, instrument builder, journalist, activist, kayak instructor, Bob Ostertag's work cannot easily be summarized or pigeon-holed. He has published 21 CDs of music, two movies, two DVDs, and three books. His writings on contemporary politics have been published on every continent and in many languages. Electronic instruments of his own design are at the cutting edge of both music and video performance technology. He has performed at music, film, and multi-media festivals around the globe. His radically diverse collaborators include the Kronos Quartet, avant garder John Zorn, heavy metal star Mike Patton, jazz great Anthony Braxton, dyke punk rocker Lynn Breedlove, drag diva Justin Bond, Quebecois film maker Pierre Hubert, and others. He is rumored to have connections to the shadowy media guerrilla group The Yes Men. In March 2006 Ostertag made all of his recordings to which he owns the rights available as free digital downloads under a Creative Commons license. He is currently Professor of Technocultural Studies and Music at the University of California at Davis. More at http://bobostertag.com
SRG (STEIM Research Group)
SRG is an internal research group that was formed in early 2010. The aim of the group is to look at issues and desires that musicians have today and conceptualize towards new tools and methods of music making. The core of the group consists of 4 young researcher / developers coming from diverse backgrounds.