Code

'Code' by Berlin and L.A.-based artist Byrke Lou is the third LP curated and released by Research and Waves and ZCKR Records. For the record, the artist presents a sonic curation of her work '.ctu_isbtm'. On Side A, the listener encounters bits of '.ctu_isbtm' through '.fa', a virtual sound synthesis system designed by the artist. Operating in a space between sculpture, code, and electronics, the system scans 3-dimensional objects via a live video feed. It programmatically encodes the artist’s glass sculptures within a language of pitches and rhythms using cultural samples as a translative matrix. The generated sound patterns are reencountered on the B-Side of the LP, which contains the recording of a live-coding session. By adapting her work for the vinyl format, Byrke Lou creates a complex interplay of dimension, information, and time that simultaneously embraces and reveals processes of coding, encoding, and decoding. Along with Byrke Lou's sound piece, the physical record features words by AGF.

For the release of 'Code,' Byrke Lou and Research and Waves developed an evening-long event at Modular+ Greenhouse Berlin that blends exhibition, performance, and music formats. Physical exhibits were shown along a live set by the artist, dance elements by breaking crew Level Up and performer Mila Chiral, visuals by artist and musician dlareme and a DJ-set by Reka Zalan. Drawing on the release's themes and materials, each contribution touches on a different aspect of the process of encoding and decoding culture and time.

Code by Byrke Lou was also available for purchase during the release event. It can now be acquired online, directly from ZCKR Records, and in various record stores internationally.