Ben Roberts / EclectikTronik (b. UK, 1976) based in Madrid, Spain after completing a Master’s degree in Mass Communications. Specializing in audio-visual and sound installations and live performances using modified scrap appliances, electronic waste and found audio and video recordings. Curator of an archive of Found Tapes (one-off home and non-commercial strangers’ recordings) stretching back to 1985, on formats such as Betamax, VHS, 8mm, Umatic (video); compact cassette, open reel, 8 track cartridge, micro/ mini cassette (audio). Regular live performance work, usually in the form of ‘analogue happenings’, is carried out using numerous modified/prepared turntables, CRT Televisions, tape loops and other electronics.
Amongst the themes present in the work are notions of obsolescence (and how this extends beyond electronics to processes of memory/retrieval); the aesthetics of audio-visual degradation processes (controlled and naturally occurring), ‘didactic sonic surrealism’, ‘pseudo-anthropology’, ‘altermodern electronic archaeology’.
Recent participation in events and festivals: Audiosphere Social experimental Audio (MNACRS, Madrid), Embarrat (Llerida), La Cara Oculta de la Luna (CentroCentro, Madrid), Arte Sonoro en España ( Juan March, Madrid), Grupo Resistencia Sonora/AVLAB (Medialab-Prado, Madrid), Arcotangente (Madrid), Barcelona en Butoh, Basurama, International Noise Conference (Madrid), Eolica (Tenerife), Das kleine fieldrecordings festival (Berlin) and Drap Art (Barcelona). Eclectiktronik’s works have been exhibited in pillars of the Madrid underground such as Ojo Atomico and Off-Limits, whilst audio pieces have been broadcast by stations such as Radio Nacional 3 (Spain), Resonance FM (UK), Radio -On (Berlin) y Radio Aporee (Berlin). Works published include a contribution to DVD ‘Audi-MAD’ (Francisco López), CD release ’60 seconds’ (Apprise records, Canada). Recent releases have appeared on StaalTape records (Berlin).
