Castlefield Gallery “iLog exchange project”
With the support of Castlefield Gallery, the Owl Project have been awarded Arts Council funding to radically develop the iLog & m-Log technology. Working with artists, Leafcutter John, Kaffe Matthews , & Thor Magnusson (ixi software) we are exploring the roll of hand held devices in relation to live improvised performance and computer music. New iLog's will be developed specifically for each artist. The new work will be used in a collaborative performance at a venue
TBC late 2008...

The new m-Log in final development phase!
The latest development in Owl Project Technology; a powered USB controller interface. The m-Log fits in the palm of the hand and is made using this semicircular cross section of a branch (Just like the iLog). Inside the m-Log is the muio interface ( www.muio.org ). Available with a rage of built in sensor inputs (light sensors, accelerometers etc) it has plug in and play compatibility with a wide variety of applications, notably MAXMSP, SuperCollider etc. Details later this year!!!

It’s the small log with one very big idea: noise. Now the world’s most popular wood based noise generator / player lets you enjoy, glitch electronica, noise, and even the sound of light. The larger,even more wooden display means amazing grain quality. In five eye-catching wood types, iLog rustle is stunning all around.


iLog Photo-synthesizer - Wood type; Mulberry


iLog Rustle - Wood type; Laburnum

Are they real?
Yes.

Sometimes during a performance I can smell burning plastic, what is this and is something to worry about?
As long as it’s coming from the Log1k its probably ok, if it is coming from the speakers, simply turn down the volume, if there are flames unplug the Log1k immediately! Not only will this damage the speakers, it may effect the performance of the Log1k. Also the wooden components are sensitive to flames
The original Log1k
If the smell comes from the insides of the Log1k this will be the 1.5 v batteries used for the beat switches, the effect produce by short circuiting the battery is a huge boom on the PA, however - the battery also heats up and eventually melts the casing, the result being molten plastic and fumes. Try and keep performances to less than 30 minutes and remove batteries from the device afterwards.


My Log1k has scuffed woodwork on the outside, how can I remedy this?
We recommend a pine coloured filler for large scuffs, followed by an application of fine sand paper, finish with teak oil and polish.

I plugged my Log1k in and no sound came out, what is wrong?
Yes this happens quite often, I'm afraid. There might be a bad solder in there, or a loose connection. Lift up the lid and check through. If you are in the middle of a performance you might have to improvise with an iLog for a while.

The contact switches seem to have little effect when I use them how can I get more effect from these?
Try wetting your fingers for greater electrical conductivity, this can increase the effects by up to 90 percent. Dry fingers will not work!


My Log1k falls over when I lift up the lid, it doesn't seem to stand up at all!
Don't worry, this is a fault of the early designs; you will find inside the case a strap to fix to the front of the table with a clamp, this will stop it rolling over. On the later models there is a bar which bolts through the back of the lid. Sometimes I prop it up with a screw driver. This has a habit of falling over mid performance if you start to move to the beat too much.


When I boot up the Log1k the screen appears to remain blank - is there a problem?
No this is normal. It should have a uniform glow throughout; be sure this is kept clean and free from dust to ensure optimum performance.

Owl project @ Lydgalleriet, Bergen, Norway
12 28th September 2008
The Owl Project present works from 2002, including the original Log1k, the full collection of iLogs to date, the SoundLathe, including for the first time a series of carved spindles created from each SoundLathe performance, and the newest m-Logs will be available to try.

Concrete & Glass 2nd October 2008 The Owl project have been commissioned for new work soon to be unveiled for an event at Concrete and Glass; takes place on the 2nd & 3rd of October 2008 in over 20 established music venues and galleries in the Shoreditch, Hoxton and Brick Lane areas of East London.Each venue will play host to the best performances and events by new, upcoming and some established bands and artists. All venues are within a short walk of each other, with capacities varying between 150 and 750 people. http://www.concreteandglass.co.uk/

Owl project & Thor Magnusson at Sirkus bar, Frieze Art Fair, London, UK
15th October
‘ Kling og Bang’, a group of Icelandic artists, has announced it is taking the legendary Reykjavik bar Sirkus to London in October. The Owl Project is set to perform with Thor Magnusson and quietly launch the new iLog kit.
www.owlproject.com
www.owlproject.com

Start Running, Sand Bar, Manchester, UK
28th October
Simon Blackmore from the Owl Project will give a short talk and preview demonstration of a new Owl Project instrument called 'sticks'. Reducing a computer interface to 1s and 0s or more accurately sound and silence. 'sticks' explore time, rhythm and live algorithmic composition.

Castlefield Gallery presents Night of the Owl - A foundation,
Liverpool, Sat 15th November 2008, 7-11pmSat 15th November 2008, 7-11pm -
During the summer of 2008 the Owl Project worked with musicians Leafcutter John, Kaffe Matthews and Thor Magnusson (IXI software) to develop a range of new wooden instruments for live performance. Night of the Owl will be a chance to see and hear some of the first results of this collaboration as well as other classic Owl Project instruments such as ilogs and log1Ks. Prepare yourself for wood chippings, clouds of sonic sawdust and performances by Owl Project, Thor Magnusson and guests in association with SoundNetworkCastlefield Gallery's Project Space programme supports artists through sustained periods of bespoke professional development activites, funded by Esmée Fairbairn Foundation and Arts Council England.

SoundNetwork supports current and emerging sound based artistic practice in the North West of the UK through advocacy, networking and collaboration.
http://soundnetwork.org.uk
http://www.afoundation.org.uk

DING>>DONG
12th December 2008 - 22nd February 2009
The Owl Project launch the new mLog, a hand held wooden interface that allows you control the award winning IXI audio software. Stand up, close your laptop, and generate intricate rhythms or simply kick back in a forest and manipulate the ambient sound around you. The mLog puts the power of electronic music into your hands and seamlessly integrates into your digital lifestyle.
http://www.fact.co.uk/