Records: EARTH AND MORE by Olaf Rupp
scatterArchive, 2024
Olaf Rupp is a German guitarist and experimental musician known for his unique approach to the guitar, combining free improvisation, virtuosic technique, and a profound sense of sonic exploration. Born in Frankfurt in 1963, Rupp has established himself as a prominent figure in the European avant-garde music scene, pushing the traditional boundaries of the instrument through an innovative and highly personal musical language.
His style is characterized by the extensive use of unconventional techniques, such as tapping, string rubbing, and employing the guitar as a percussive instrument. Often described as a "sound architect," Rupp creates complex and layered sonic landscapes, fully exploring both the acoustic and electronic potentials of the guitar. His live performances are celebrated for their intensity and unpredictability, taking audiences on a unique and hypnotic sonic journey.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with internationally renowned artists in the fields of free improvisation and contemporary music, including Joëlle Léandre, Paul Lovens, and Wolfgang Fuchs. His discography includes both solo works and collaborations, showcasing his ability to seamlessly move between moments of intimate lyricism and bursts of sonic energy.
Olaf Rupp is a key reference point for anyone seeking to explore the expressive possibilities of the guitar beyond traditional boundaries, solidifying his role as one of the most original and influential musicians in the contemporary experimental scene.
Olaf Rupp electronics, guitar, voice
▶︎ EARTH AND MORE | Olaf Rupp | scatterArchive
”I don’t like to look back; mostly I prefer to dream about the future. But, when asked to consider the electronic music I made over twenty years ago, a time before I decided to focus on the acoustic and electric guitar, I found a way to overcome my nostalgiaphobia. I did not have a computer at that time, so I recorded directly onto cassette tapes and audio-cdRs. This had a great impact on the improvisational flow of the music. The setup was a heavily abused Behringer mixer which I modified so that I could cascade and feed back several channels. I had a few guitar effects: a looper, a distortion pedal and a bass guitar synth-pedal. Finally, there was a microphone which I used for voice, Foley sounds and to feed back the ambience in the room. And, of course, the guitar. Still there. Actually it is not so far away from what I do today; the same ideas growing in a different nutrient.”
[Olaf Rupp]
eleased September 22, 2024
recorded during the late 1990s and early 2000s by Olaf Rupp
compiled, edited and mastered during August 2024 by Olaf Rupp at home in Berlin
all music by Olaf Rupp except Lonely Woman by Horace Silver
cover photograph by Olaf Rupp