Nicola L Hein did not like playing the piano (although he was forced to as part of his university education in music). But it was a completely different story when he picked up the guitar at age 15. “Within a couple of weeks, I knew I wanted to play it professionally,” says the 29-year-old German guitarist, sound artist, philosopher and composer from Düsseldorf.
Within two years, he was bored of using the plectrum and began experimenting by playing the strings with everyday items — screws, rulers, iron wool, violin bow, abrasive paper, magnets, rooting through kitchen drawers and junkyards for new things to try. If you are wondering about the resulting sound, head to The Grid this evening to find out at his solo performance.
Behind the scenes
“It’s not something I do without context; it is based on free improvisation and jazz techniques. It is actually less weird than it looks, because it stands on the shoulders of a tradition that has been in place for over 60 years,” says Hein, referring to influences like Jimi Hendrix, John McLaughlin and Paco de Lucía. Enthusiastically technical while explaining the intricacies of his work, he soon sums it up thus: “Usually, the melodic part of the instrument is in focus. What I do is try and find this melody through different means. On one hand, I think about the sound first, and then look for objects that help me realise that particular sonic paradigm. On the other, I use some electronic means to make the guitar sound a bit more sculptural.”
A quick review of his earlier shows on YouTube reveals that the music takes a bit of getting used to, and not just because of the truly alternative sound. Perhaps it is the shock of seeing someone using a whirring plexiglass disc attached to a mini airplane motor on a guitar. It is definitely not for casual listening — a bit of concentration is required, and when it clicks, you begin hearing what is quite an unusual, yet pleasing melody.
Hein has a busy life. While he is currently a visiting scholar at Columbia University, New York City, he travels all over the world with his intriguing act. “I’m performing in Kochi, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram and Pune before going on to Kuala Lumpur. It will be interesting to see the reactions from different audiences. The show will definitely tell a story, no matter how the instrument is played,” he concludes.
Nicola L Hein performs at The Grid, Kesava Perumal Puram, this evening, from 8 to 10 pm. Free entry. Phone: 9884055691