Proposal to BIORHYTHMS, Science gallery, Dublin. March 2010

from Kaffe Matthews.

To install Sonic Bed_London in the Science Gallery, Dublin, playing a new composition made using the frequencies of the ancient Solfeggio series.

That that audio work then in situ, is developed and added to though workshop with local Dublin residents and Kaffe Matthews.

The Solfeggio scale is a frequency series used in ancient Gregorian chants as well as now found to be the frequencies used in DNA repair processes.

In 2006, music for bodies made some explorations into the effect of certain frequencies on specific areas of the human body, also with a bioresonance practitioner, coming to an understanding of the human body’s response maps in this process. Combined with an exploration into mapping structures for scores through architectural perspectives, it combined its findings to make new compositions for Sonic Bed _London.

"Bend" was one such work, exhibited in Aarhuus, London and Amsterdam. In 2009, we began to explore the effect of the Solfeggio series realised in the outdoor eight channel installation,"In clean air we fly", but have not had the opportunity to further our findings into a work for Sonic Bed.

To combine the use of these exact frequencies in a new Bed work is currently of paramount importance therefore. It would be the first time we have actively used an exact frequency series, and our research questions would also involve finding ways of assessing and documenting the results of the piece. To further the effect of these frequencies, we would also want to take the opportunity to replace the use of the Bed's six sub-woofers, with 6 bass transducers, "bass shakers". Sonic Bed uses a 12 channel sound system, with six channels of bass under the mattress, and 6 channels of high and mid frequencies immersed in panels around the side. These are standard speakers that vibrate air to transmit sound. As much of mfb research explores making music to feel rather than just listen to, the use of bass transducers which would also enable music to be played at a lower volume but transmit vibration of a wide dynamic range would be ideal for this piece and installation.

Please note that Bed works go nowhere near the pretty sickening crystal healing easy listening type meditation musics you might anticipate from this text. It will be beautiful yes, but complex in its seeming simplicity , new and surprising in how it will play and affect its listeners. We are full of great anticipation of potentially having the opportunity to finally explore this work fully . mfb did not manage to make a new work in 2009 being too busy with other projects, but this exact frequency research would be the just opportunity to return to develop and move this invaluable project onwards, with further new collaborations developing as a result.

Developing the Solfeggio composition through workshop in situ is also an essential part of the project if it fits with the exhibition. We are open to discussing how this best could work. It is imagined that it will not be possible to do this before the exhibition opens in Dublin, so proposed that this is done whilst the exhibition is running, and shortly after it opens. Kaffe could be in town post opening and could work so many hours a day with signed up workshop participants. (see project development below)

Please note that the work made will play with no beginning and no end. Neither will it repeat. Our unique software instrument will be further developed for the purposes of this work to 14 channels.

I would also be delighted to come and make a presentation about this and the broader reaches of mfb.

Brief research and science outline: The original sound frequencies of the Solfeggio scale were used in ancient Gregorian chants, and were "lost" centuries ago. The chants and the electro-magnetic frequencies of this scale was believed to enhance the spiritual experience of those hearing the notes.

This sacred Solfeggio Scale was rediscovered in 1974 by Dr. Joseph Puleo through a series of events that some would call miracles. He was guided to the Pythagorean method of numerical reduction which led to his deciphering of the frequency of these notes as hidden in the text of the Biblical book, Numbers.

Solfeggio Notes and DNA In order for DNA to be reprogrammed, the cell membrane must first be opened to allow the information access to the DNA. One of the ways to open the cell is by activating the receptors in the cell membrane so that the message the RNA picks up will be transmitted to the DNA. The frequencies of the Solfeggio notes open the cell so new programming can be imprinted on the DNA.

During the Interdimensional 12 Strand DNA Activation, color, sound, and thought are used to reprogram the DNA with the new information. The new programming activates not only the 12 electro-magnetic strands of DNA, but also the energy layers that surround the DNA and connect to the 12 dimensions.

I would be also happy to come and present about this work, even in public discussion with a genetic scientist?

Is the project proposed for Science Gallery or elsewhere in Dublin? (If off-campus, specify proposed project site) : Science gallery

Project relevance to Science Gallery or BIORHYTHM aims and objectives

You will already see how Sonic Bed fulfills most of the aims and objectives of the Biorhythms exhibition. It is particularly powerful in enabling an extraordinary perception of sounds composed into music which could otherwise be alien and unfamiliar to most people. Its effect also creates a sense of awakening and well being to many visitors. To now have the opportunity to make a music from these ancient frequencies, which are now, curiously, found to be central to DNA repair, must surely create another level of understanding to this 'body music', its meanings, so triggering and opening further the depths of human perception.

Describe stage of project development (planning, in progress or completed work):

The Bed itself is made but time is required to install new bass transducers, and make and test the proposed new composition. Planned as follows:

17th May. Buy and install bass transducers in Sonic Bed London, currently installed in AUDREY, music for bodies studio, London. Begin research and composition with Solfeggio tuning forks. Lay out the basis for a new work.

5th June: Invite visitors,London to come test effects through a music for bodies open day. Document comments. write up on mfb website. 6th June onwards: Begin reworks of composition and retest with visitors, 2 weeks later. complete. Develop a page in mfb URL for Dublin gallery feedback in exhibition.

27th June: pack, transport and deliver Sonic Bed_London to Science gallery, Dublin. Van and ferry. 29th June: Installation complete 1st July: show opens

3-6th July: (open to negotiation, see above) Kaffe runs workshops with local residents to make new sections and development in the Solfeggio work. We are very interested in making the time to introduce visitors to the possibility of making music for the Bed through workshop. We have proposed 4 days of workshop( see budget) but could also do more or less. This is essential to discuss with you. Who could be invited? children/ artists /old people? There are many relevances for all groups and I have experience with all these mentioned. How this happens would be again planned with you. Also to teach the use of the bed software, and the frequecy series so that a local artist or scientist could make their own work, without instruction from Kaffe. Could this even be something that happens over 4 days so that a Dublin based artist could run the workshops?

Proposed duration of project. yes, installation of bed for duration of exhibition

Technical details and requirements Event/Workshop proposals to include

Physical space requirements:

If possible, Bed is best installed in a quiet, acoustically separated room, about 8 x 10 metres, from where we could plug its power supply into a socket outside that room. BED runs on a noisy power supply that has a fan, so should not to be in the same space. An alternative solution is that a self contained ventilated box is built.

Floor ideally needs to be plain, smooth(eg.wooden parquet tiles?) and as horizontal as possible.

We also need to install a web cam on the wall high above the bed. This watches the activity on and near the bed and will turn the music on and off due to presence /absence of visitors.

Ideal decor for space is plain off white. With a pleasant, visually calm, clean ceiling.

Minimal lighting would be required so that the overall ambience is dim. Changing daylight is also fine and can work well.

Technical requirements: The Bed has all its own equipment although we would need to use a Mac/PC monitor and keyboard for installation please, as well as mains supply and an extension cord to plug in the MOTU.

It needs to run its power cables from the Bed to its mains connected 12V power supply, outside the space.

We would also like to have a computer just outside the space into which visitors can write their comments on their experience. We would design a special page for this. mfb project has international interest, and readership.

Approximate daily number of audience members the proposal can facilitate with regard to participation/interaction and dwell time at installation(s): Bed takes 3 adults at once. Average lying time is 10 minutes, although many people want an hour alone and will return at 'quieter ' times. On average though, approx 18 adults per hour.

Installation proposals to include:: Physical dimensions of the proposed work

Sonic Bed_London:

2m wide x 3m long(including steps) x 1.06m high Made in polished cherry wood veneer side panels and steps , and solid polished cherry wood capps.

Access to any resources other than electrical power:

BED CARE. 1. General. Bed needs constant invigilation to ensure that visitors always remove their shoes, treat Bed with care and respect: ie. no jumping, nothing to be placed on its surfaces, no leaning over the edge, watch out for watches and heavy jewellery etc!

2. Daily. Please to ensure that the cover is smooth and pillows are puffed up and at the head of the Bed at the end/start of each day. Ensure that steps are centrally located and grit free. Ensure that the remove shoe sign is to LHS of the steps.

Requirements with regards display

PRESENTATION. The sign for the Bed , ie, Sonic Bed_London, should be in the Macintosh Edwardian Script font, largest size possible.

We will also send a text for the wall which should be arranged in consultation with the exhibition.

The computer for visitor feedback will need to be carefully installed..(Outside space?)

Does your work require specific light/sound conditions, extreme quiet or darkness?

Dim lighting and extreme quiet if possible(see above)

List power, networking and IT needs Electricity mains. Broadband Wireless internet access.

Please enquire to Science Gallery online submission form for Budget Outline.

Thank you. KM.