Matt Hewson
Not sure what neoclassical clarinet-based ambient electronic music sounds like? Not to worry, you can find out at Fyansford Paper Mill next weekend.
Ruby Lulham (aka Ruby Ester Mae) brings her project Clariloops to the mill’s Door Gallery Cafe on Saturday, October 5, blending her beautiful, pure acoustic clarinet tone with synthesised sounds.
Using loop pedals and other hardware, Lulham builds overlaid harmonies and counterpoints in real time, creating cascading sections of gentle yet rhythmic sounds.
A graduate of the Monash School of Music and a member of the Royal Australian Air Force band, Lulham honed her clarinet skills in the demanding world of classical music.
But the clarinettist said she always had a yearning to create music that was more personal and less prescribed.
“I found everyone at uni practises the same way, tries to make the same sound; when you’re going for classical jobs, you’re competing against people who sound exactly the same as you,” Lulham said.
“And that whole concept just makes me groan. That’s part of why I got into this, I thought it would be really creative and fun for me.
“Then when people started liking it I was really proud that I’d created a sound that was uniquely my own, that was quite accessible to both musicians and non-musicians.”
Lulham strives to create “ambient, dreamy soundscapes”, but don’t be fooled; while her music may be gentle, it is never boring. Rather than intruding on the listener’s thoughts, her layers of sound create space for thinking, inspiring reflection rather than demanding interest.
“I really want my music to sort of lay in the background of people’s thoughts,” Lulham said.
“I hate feeling like I am the centre of attention when I perform for people. I would rather create an experience for them.”
Visit events.humanitix.com/warm-mids-afternoon-clariloops for tickets and more information.
