Palestine Drum Liberator - Sonic Liberation Devices
Motivated by this awareness, I dedicated myself to expanding my expertise into physical computing, coding, digital and analog electronics, and hardware through rigorous research and hands-on experimentation. This fusion of musical expression and technological innovation has become the cornerstone of my creative pursuits, enabling me to push the boundaries of both sonic exploration and technical ingenuity.
After encountering censorship and violent repression from the NYU administration due to my activism, I refused to be coerced into silence. My goal was not only to keep Palestine in people's thoughts but also to encourage open discussion about it. Thus, I resisted in the way I knew best: through music.
I coined the term "SLDs" (Sonic Liberation Devices), envisioning a future where musical instruments, as extensions of our thoughts, emotions, and beliefs, reflect our political and social climate. These instruments serve intentional purposes, guiding us towards a future of liberation and awareness.
The most defining moment happened with I collaborated with Palestinian Composer, Producer DJ, and friend Omar Ahmad. His collaboration infused this machine with a profound purpose. Through the instruments he recorded (Daf, Mid, High and Low Tabla, Riq, and Oud) the drum machine took on a vibrant essence, forging a deeply human and intimate connection. This bond was particularly poignant as the instruments he recorded echo the sounds inherent in Palestinian music. This instrument is more than just a musical tool; it embodies a spirit of resistance—a symbol of Palestine's ongoing struggle for self-determination and liberation.
Through the fusion of music and technology, deliberate design choices, and a deep personal connection with this instrument, I found a way to foster collective awareness from its very conception. What began as a means of resistance and truth-telling has evolved into an instrument with a profound conceptual significance, now possibly regarded as a historical artifact.
The Palestine Drum Liberator stands as an "SLD" (Sonic Liberation Device), epitomizing the synthesis of sound and technology, showcasing the intersection of artistry and innovation. Through intentional programming, it explores the realm of liberation technology, nurturing collective awareness and guiding us towards a future marked by freedom and empowerment.
TECHNICAL DETAILS:
Utilizing C ++ programming language on a Teensy 4.1 microcontroller board, the Drum Liberator emerges as a versatile amalgamation of a Drum Machine and Synthesizer. Boasting 12 distinct waveforms, 8 polyphonic keys, and a range spanning 6 octaves, it offers an expansive sonic palette. Additionally, it features 8 preset percussion sounds, an 8x8 neo-pixel grid for visualizing step sequences, and essential modulation tools like ADSR Envelope and LFO.
Equipped with MIDI IN/OUT/THRU ports, the Drum Liberator facilitates seamless synchronization with external hardware and MIDI clock integration. Functionality extends to pattern manipulation with options for start/stop, pattern clearing, channel selection, and editing for both drum and melody sequencing. Further enhancing its usability are an OLED screen, BPM control, and effects such as Delay, Reverb, Pitch, and Filter Decay/Attack.
Designed using KiCad, the electronic hardware layout for PCB manufacturing ensures precision and reliability. Moreover, its battery-powered operation makes it ideal for on-the-go musical exploration.
SPECIAL MESSAGE:
To learn more about this project, I encourage everyone to please visit,
https://sonicliberationdevices.com/ (website will be released beginning of October).
This website serves as an open-source website that gives further information to this body of work and gives resources to the codes and process involved.
Early Prototype