FM3, makers of the Buddha Machine, live in Berlin.
I found a bunch of Buddha Boxing (
Q: What is Buddha Boxing?
A: Buddha Boxing is the live set we are touring in 2006. It’s essentially a “sound game” played with Buddha Machines. No PA, No mixer, No stage, No lighting. A simple, go anywhere performance concept.
Q: How did the boxing come about? Was it out of necessity to play out live, or was it a natural evolution once you’d become familiar with the machines?
A: We came up with the idea while on tour in Holland and Belgium last October. By 2005, we had stopped using computers for live performance and were instead using a custom-built acoustic zither and a traditional stringed thing called the Gu Qin. One night during the usually boring lulls between gigs, we messing about with six Buddha machines and just kind of started to play cards with them, throwing down different loops and trying to make a nice tune that would make the other guy react. Suddenly we realised this would make a great live set. Two guys mucking about with coloured boxes is certainly a bit more eye-catching that someone staring at their computer screen. And it freed us from carrying around 90kg of stringed instruments. So after that night, we locked our gear in Belgium and started the Buddha boxing live sets.
Q: Can you explain the rules?
A: Simple. Only one “action” allowed per turn.
I can pick up a Buddha machine, select a loop and put it into play. Or I can remove a machine from play, or change the volume, or loop. Only one “action” then the other contestant gets a chance. He does whatever he wants to do, say he adds another Buddha machine to the mix, and then it’s my turn again… The “game” ends when the last Buddha machine is removed from the playing surface. The person who takes that last machine away is the winner. The aim of the game is to make some nice music. It probably makes a lot more sense if you watch the video!
) videos, but the audio on them sucked. Ah, well.
I did learn that there’s a second Buddha Machine-inspired release out there, which reminded me that I forgot to buy the first one!