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Guest Writer
June 6, 2016

Making music in betahaus

Exciting things are happening in betahaus! Recently, Diego moved in and built a music studio. Diego Ain aka Ain TheMachine, is a Brazilian composer and producer with a clear goal: to transform the way we interact with music. He created Musica Biotronica, which is music without instruments. Instead, he uses four elements: body, voice, everyday objects, and technology.

Hey Diego, nice to meet you! Can you tell us what you’re working on?

At the moment, I’m developing a system that uses people's actions to control audio visual software. Also; I’m creating a worldwide series of video-songs in which people from different cities all around the world compose hit songs with us. On top of that, I’m working on the new live show of Ain TheMachine.

You created Musica Biotronica, which differs from what people see as the usual approach to making music. Why did you turn away from instruments and focus on working with everyday objects?

In the beginning of my career, I realised that if I wanted to differentiate myself from other musicians, I’d have to find my own personal style. Limiting my work allowed me to find that style and give it a personality. I believe that it is limitations rather than qualities that define us. A funny way to understand this is to ask yourself: how many superheros do you know that can fly? Two, maybe three. But how many are weak to kryptonite? Just one. Superman.

Take another example, if you offer people an instrument, many of them will respond by saying “Oh no, I don’t know how to play”, even if they do. They will say 'no' out of the fear of exposing themselves. You could say that the musical instrument places a 'physical barrier' upon people which makes them afraid to play. However if I offer people a daily object that isn't considered a 'musical instrument', they’ll probably laugh and play with it, because it is not directly related to music.

Both of these reasons are why I created the rule that defines Musica Biotronica: It’s forbidden to use any musical instrument, any other object however is allowed. This limitation has driven me to use my body, voice, everyday objects, and technology to make music.

 

"Limiting my work allowed me to find that style and give it a personality. I believe that it is limitations rather than qualities that define us." 

Does that mean you never play an instrument?

Yes I do. Before I started Ain TheMachine I’d already developed a music career. In fact, I was nominated for a Latin Grammy in 2008. Previously, I’ve produced many albums for musicians and as a composer I’ve made soundtracks for documentaries and tv shows. As well as that, I’ve taught music and technology workshops all around the world.

 

 

Diego

 

If you compare the barriers of making music to barriers of making art, do you believe that they work the same way?

The problem for me is that I don’t know what art means, but I do know that art and music have the same barrier. People are scared to enjoy art and music fully, maybe because they respect it so much.

Actually, referring as both to ‘life’ makes it more understandable, life is just like music and art; you should experiment, play, and feel its rhythm.

It all sounds so beautiful but can you make money out of this?

Yes, of course. Making music with objects has opened huge doors, I’ve developed custom made content for events in live show and video format. The perfect example of this is the video I created for Bosch/Siemens.

We’ve heard rumours about spontaneous jam sessions?

Well, they’re more than just jam sessions. My aim is to connect betahaus-based musicians with those who are eager to play, but don’t. Sometime soon we’re hoping to form a band from the community here at betahaus.

 

"In the end we’re all a little bit shy, but we just need to break the ice and get into conversations that can lead to new friendships, job opportunities, and who knows what else.."

You’ve been a part of our community for a long time. What advice would you give to our new members?

Be open and proactive, don’t expect that your membership will make magic happen. People won’t come and offer you jobs, friendship just from getting a membership or being in the house.

My advice would be to start saying 'hello' and 'goodbye' to everybody! It’s a great way to get out of your shell. In the end we’re all a little bit shy, but we just need to break the ice and get into conversations that can lead to new friendships, job opportunities and who knows what else..


Article written by Olga Kusnierska

If you want to explore creative and innovative ways to deliver your message and engage your audience, contact Diego by clicking here! 

Join Diego and other entrepreneurs at betahaus! Click here to see how to become a member!