Carlos Santos
Musician | Sound artist | Graphic designer
computer, electronics, microphones and piezos, small resonant objects

arsmoderna@gmail.com | Soniclandscape.org

Studied painting with António Sena (Ar.Co, 1988 -1992) and works as graphic designer in corporate identity, packaging and web at SpoonDesign.com.pt. Started sound/music activities in 1989 when formed the VITRIOL project with Paulo Raposo, a laboratory for experimental sound actions, in a first stage with studio work followed in 1994 by live output, mainly live electronics, concrete music with a improvised or score oriented approach. Uses the laptop with software written in MaxMsp, small resonant objects, microphones and piezo elements to produce a music that deals with space and its sound characteristics. Interests in “soundscape” and field recordings are a huge part of his work, for piece preparation or just for archival purposes, Always recording, events, spaces or music. Multi-channel acusmatic music and radio pieces.
Presents himself solo in site-specific audio-video works, or in duos with João Silva (video, sound, photography), “Inhabitaded Spaces” with Ricardo Guerreiro (computer, mics), “Venús Pistolletto” with Emídio Buchinho (elec. guitar, mics, objects). Member of several formations, “(Des)Integração” laptop ensemble (2001-2003) or in more electroacoustic sets, uses live-electronics and sampling which is the case of “Suspensão” septep, VGO, variable geometry orchestra and specially a trio close related to the “near silence” aesthetics, with Ernesto Rodrigues (violin, harp) and Guilherme Rodrigues (cello) with several CD releases, always with one international improviser as guest. Presented his work in Portugal, Spain, France, UK and Germany. Worked with artists from several media: dance, performance and video. Music and sound design for video and animation. Video and sound editing for comercial projects. His sound work is well documented in CD releases.
Is a co-founder and belongs to the Granular board of directors, a portuguese association for experimental art, does the image of Creative Sources label. Broadcasts “Boca Doce” show at Rádio Zero (web radio) and other special shows. Workshops and seminars in digital audio manipulation, Maxmsp programming and sound art practise.