Tim Hecker

Tim Hecker
Background information
Also known as Jetone
Born 1974
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Origin Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Genres Drone
Microsound
Ambient music
Years active 1996–present
Labels Mille Plateaux
Alien8
Force Inc
Staalplaat
Fat Cat
Kranky
Paper Bag Records
Software Recording Co.
Website Official website

Tim Hecker is an electronic musician and sound artist based in Montreal, Canada. Hecker previously recorded under the moniker Jetone, but has become better known internationally for his ambient recordings mainly released through Kranky Records under his own name.[1]

Background

Born in Vancouver, Hecker is the son of two art teachers who spent his formative years developing an interest in music. He moved to Montreal in 1998 to study at Concordia University and explore his artistic interests further.[2] After completing his studies, Hecker pursued a professional career outside music and worked as a political analyst for the Canadian Government.[3] After leaving his employment in 2006 he enrolled at McGill University to pursue a PhD[4] with the subject area of urban noise, which was submitted at the end of 2013. He has also worked as a lecturer in sound culture the Art History and Communications department.[5] He is a producer of electronica and has performed internationally as a DJ (Jetone) and electronic musician.[2]

His early career was characterised by an interest in techno, expressed under the Jetone moniker. Disenchanted with this direction, Hecker began exploring more abstract notions of sound and collages, describing this process as 'very brutal, bloody, bone-crushing experiences'.[6] His current method of working involves the use of pipe organ sounds which are digitally processed and distorted. For the album Ravedeath, 1972, Hecker travelled to Iceland where together with Ben Frost, he recorded parts in a church. Live performances contain improvisations by processing organ sounds that are manipulated, with great fluctuations in volume.[6]

Hecker collaborated on a project with Daniel Lopatin (Oneohtrix Point Never) who 'had a couple days blocked out in [a] Brooklyn [studio], and Tim came down. There was a day of setup, and then we just rolled tape'.[7] This became Instrumental Tourist album where the two musicians improvised and experimented with different styles.[8]

In addition to touring with Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Sigur Rós and recording with the likes of Fly Pan Am, Hecker has also collaborated with Christof Migone, Martin Tétreault and Aidan Baker. He has also contributed remixes to other artists, including Isis.[2]

Discography

Tim Hecker

Albums

EPs & Other

Collaborations

As Jetone

Art

Hecker occasionally makes sound installations and has collaborated with visual artists such as Stan Douglas[9] and Charles Stankievech.[10]

References

  1. ↑ "Bio". Sunblind.net. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 "Spin Interview 2013" Christopher R. Weingarten, 'Tim Hecker: Attack of the Drones', Spin Magazine; October 10, 2013
  3. ↑ "Guestlist on Pitchfork" 'Guest Lists: Tim Hecker', Pitchfork Media, October 27, 2006
  4. ↑ "McGill Daily" John Watson 'Bring the noise', The McGill Daily, April 5, 2011
  5. ↑ "Quietus Interview" Ryan Alexander Diduck 'Darkness More Than Anything: Tim Hecker Interviewed', The Quietus, March 21, 2012
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Holly Dicker, 'Tim Hecker: Imaginary countries', Resident Advisor, January 27, 2012
  7. ↑ "Pitchfork interview with Lopatin and Hecker" Ian Cohen, 'Tim Hecker/Daniel Lopatin - The experimental electronic duo talk about their collaborative new album', Pitchfork, December 12, 2012
  8. ↑ "Instrumental Tourist review" Mark Richardson, 'Tim Hecker/Daniel Lopatin Instrumental Tourist review', Pitchfork, November 30, 2012
  9. ↑ "En/Of". Bottrop. Retrieved 21 April 2012.
  10. ↑ "LOVELAND". Retrieved 21 April 2012.

External links

Interviews

Further reading