Forward (Film Version)

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• published: 30 Mar 2016
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Produced by the Wormfarm Institute as a part of their annual Dcomposition series Music & Film by Zach Johnston & Matteo Roberts Additional Arrangements & Improvisation by the Ensemble: Hilary James - Cello Jon Sunde - Keyboard Matthew Holmen - Guitar Davey Roberts - Percussion Zach Johnston - Guitar Matteo Roberts - Keyboard Live Sound Engineering & Editing by Lawton Hall Film Sound Mix by Davey Roberts Scene Coordination by Jordan Jensen Performance Videography by Cheston Van Huss "Benediction" Poem by Paul Gabriel Additional Funding by Maphia Inc Performed November 9th 2015 in Lime Ridge, Wisconsin at Fermentation Fest ********************** If I decide only certain things are beautiful, I’ll always be waiting for angels to reveal themselves. If I practice making beauty out of anything, there will be angels in my salt shaker; in line at the DMV. Our DComposition is about grace and nature, land and man, miracles and the mundane, creation and decay - all flowing forward through time and music and Wisconsin. The music of Forward wouldn’t be possible without the DCompositions of years prior. We were particularly inspired by Graminy’s “Dusk” (originally a response to Costas Dafnis) which motivated Forward’s principle, pulsing motif featured in “Decomposition I” & “Decomposition II”. We took an interpretation of that motif further in our dad-rock inspired, “Football” and the sacred music inspired, “Hymnal I” and “Hymnal II”. “Fall” is a response to Graminy’s, “Day”. As composers, we typically take pride in micro-managing every note of a composition. But with Forward, we wanted to speed up time, to see life evolve and decompose in an evening. Even within one song. It was important that we represented the inconsistencies, chaos, and unpredictability of nature though varying levels of musical improvisation, which ultimately play a large role in Forward's lifespan. As Forward progresses, our composition and film begin to decay. Musical themes are played under new chord progressions and levels of participation from our orchestra become erratic and bloated. New moments emerge. Eventually, in our song “Decomposition II”, the climax of Forward, improvisation takes over completely. When explaining this concept to Zach’s mother, who is a microbiologist, she reminded us that decomposition is not a chaotic process. It's design is just hidden to the common eye. We represent this graceful biodegradation using kaleidoscopic video. The kaleidoscope, the design of which is explained mathematically, breaks down our images into smaller nutrients. The most unique thing about music is that it takes place within each of us, subjectively. We set out to create a film that was a supplement to our music, and just another piece of the orchestra. We’ve paired everyday scenes of Wisconsin life with contemplative music so you could discover something new in them. Like watching a comedy to sad music or the Packers to Rachmaninoff. The images were taken all over Wisconsin from July to October of 2015. We focused on the land. The residents. Forgotten feed bags and the backs of road signs. Familiar gas stations and dinner conversation. The vulnerable, one-way confessional of a voicemail. By focusing on the decay of our bodies, our possessions, our efforts, our land, our own song as we play it, we reveal their highest beauty. This is the sensory experience we share with you. We are grateful that this music will live on in the Fermentation Fest and DComposition ecosystem for years to come. Thank you for experiencing this with us. -Zach Johnston & Matteo Roberts