VOCAL PERFORMANCE INTRO

My vocal sound poetry performances are related to my interest in how to combine body, voice and words. When I write texts meant for performance, I usually stand in front of my music stand, place my paper on it and compose the words by speaking them out loud as they come. I conduct the rhythm with my body movements and write everything down by hand. The rhythm, my voice, and my hand are bodily connected to the words from my mind. Sometimes I work with simple devices to generate loops and harmonies. I work and perform with various performers (musicians, sound artists etc.) and solo - sometimes combined with videos. My vocal performances and also happenings are often related to the concept of TIME.

My old typewriter and influential highlights

Influential highlights

When I was around 13 years old, I once listened to an American radio broadcast about the beatniks. It had a great impact on me. I wanted to become a beatnik! Being young, I took it all in and instantly changed my clothing style, my haircut - even my way of walking. I walked in the rhythm of bebop jazz. I looked like someone from the 1950s / 60s. I was hip and I was cool! And I began writing and writing endless poems and recited them in my room while I imagined a whole jazz band behind me.

Then Patti Smith released her legendary album “Horses”. Wow! I remember putting it on my record player and almost immediately had to take it off again. It was too strong. Too wild. I can still remember every word from that album.

Much later I went to School of Stage Arts and was trained physically and vocally much in alignment with the methods of Jerzy Grotowski who saw the entire performer as an emotional, physical, and vocal instrument.

My practice is also strongly influenced by the spirits of dada and fluxus.

These highlights have formed the basis for my own performances.

Vocal and sound poetry performances
 

You can listen to various examples of my vocal performances below.

HAPPENINGS

What is happening? Occasionally, I do site specific happenings often related to certain events or new beginnings in my life. My happenings are personal rituals performed both in public and private.

Spillestedet Stengade Duck Happening by Asta D.

Spillestedet Stengade Duck Happening. Copenhagen 2017