Saturday, August 01, 2009

Wake Up and Listen

Wake Up and Listen

Wake Up and Listen is Australian duo Adrian Bertram and Shannon O'Neill. Together they've released two EPs and produced a live improvised radio show for over 8 years. O’Neill is a media artist working with film, video, radio, music, installation and the internet. He's also an instructor of Media Arts at Sydney's University of Technology, in Australia. Bertram is a professional classical clarinettist, the creator of dream-inspired musical instruments and a collector of analogue synthesizers. They've both performed in multiple bands (see below).

One note: I've been playing their work on Some Assembly Required since at least 2001, and until only recently have been referring to them as "Mustard Keanu," which is actually the title of the mini CD they sent in 2001. Oops. Wake Up and Listen is a MUCH better band name - I should have known better...

Also check out Shannon O'Neill's Alias Frequencies website, home to releases by artists such as B'O'K, Rik Rue and of course WUAL. Without further ado, here's the SAR Q&A with Wake Up and Listen...


*Name: Wake Up and Listen

*Are there any additional names used to describe this project: WUAL. The name came from a track on Mind/Body/Split's album 'if it's not on it's not on'. We chose it because we started out doing late night experimental radio. And we are a duo.

*Do you use a pseudonym? Yes, but not for WUAL. Individually, we are involved in many other projects. Adrian's include Lieutenant Colonel Spastic Howitzer, Black Pig and Winner. Shannon's include Time Being, Projek Lansac and Plenum. Among others.

*Members: Two, although others have played with us more or less regularly at different times.

*Founding Members:
Adrian Bertram, Shannon O'Neill.

*Tape manipulations, digital deconstructions or turntable creations: All of the above, sometimes simultaneously. Our work is usually an improvised collage, with some pre-composed elements.

*Another genre descriptor: No, we make use of many genres, without subscribing to any. Tom Ellard described our radio show as 'plunderphonics and frolics', which we liked.

*Is there a story behind your name?
The name came from a track on Mind/Body/Split's album 'if it's not on it's not on'. We chose it because we started out doing late night experimental radio. And we are a duo.

*Location:
Sydney, Australia

*What is your creative/artistic background: We met at primary school while both studying clarinet. At the end of high school we both got involved in community radio and began collaborating. Adrian has pursued instrumental musicianship, having studied at the Sydney Conservatorium, and has played in many bands. Shannon has pursued various artforms and now teaches Media Arts at the University of Technology, Sydney.

*History: WUAL has been active since 1991, although less so in recent years, due to other projects.

*Born: Both born 1972, Adrian in Sydney, Shannon in Melbourne.

*Motivations/Philosophy: Absurdity, play, subversion, epistemological and ontological enquiry.

*How would you like to be remembered: Fondly.

*Web address: http://wakeupandlisten.net/
Adrian Bertram: http://adrianbertram.net/

Shannon O'Neill: http://shannon-oneill.net



www.some-assembly-required.net

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