Techno Echo is a monthly event for Femme & Non-binary music creators to share knowledge around sound & light technology. Featuring special micro performances and demonstrations by local artists/musicians followed by time for kōrero and connection.
This month’s special guest Amber Johnson (Ngā Puhi, Ngāti Kahu ki Whangaroa) gained a Bachelor of Music in Performance Flute from Victoria University of Wellington in the early 2000s. Within this musical stomping ground she formed a love and affinity for playing and appreciating the compositions of avant-garde and modern classical composers. This connection in early adulthood expanded and evolved into a thirst for pushing the flutes capabilities and the sonic possibilities inherent in expanded techniques and experimental music. In 2014 her exploratory sensibilities melded with her love of harmony, modal music and the beauty of lush sounds and she began creating and performing with the moniker ‘Waterfalls’. A solo project, Waterfalls utilises analog synthesizers, processed flute, layered vocals, drum machines and sampled beats and creates celestial avant-pop songs. Waterfalls' songs have been playlisted and charted on SRN stations throughout Aotearoa and Australia including a Number One spot for her single ‘Impressionistic’ on bFM and the SRN.
Amber has been a prolific performer including national tours and playing many festivals including: Newtown Festival, Cuba Dupa, Lines of Flight, Camp a Low Hum, NOW festival and Borderline Festival. Her melding of an experimental and ‘lo-fi’ ethos alongside a cross genre sound has found her music suiting a diverse array of line ups.
Driven by her strong belief in the power and necessity of diversity and inclusion within music, and an understanding that even the most exploratory musicians can fail to keep their musical communities expanding, Amber is now co-facilitating a monthly meetup- Techno Echo. This initiative seeks to connect musicians, demystify music technology, smooth the road for those carrying ‘imposter syndrome’ and feeling intimidated by musical technology, and inspire its participants to explore and learn. She believes that much creativity and many incredible musicians remain under the radar and embraces an ethos that by empowering underrepresented musicians and instilling the confidence and the right to collaborate and share sound and knowledges, boundaries are pushed and conventions are challenged. She strongly believes this paves the way for a more vibrant musical landscape. Amber believes showcasing, embracing and celebrating a wide array of musicians who are creating across many genres fosters a sense of belonging, which is fundamental to musical expression and experimentalism.
This is an all ages, inclusive event for women and gender minorities to learn and share about audio and visual practices and technology in a supportive and casual environment. We are offering space to nurture friendship and collaboration within our community through celebratory exploration of creative tools.
For more info email technoecho3000[at]gmail.com or follow us at instagram.com/_technoecho
Hosted by Jess, Em & Amber as part of Pyramid Club’s programme.
Thanks to Creative NZ for their support.
