*“Dew Magic* was inspired by magical sounds found in nature. Some of the sounds for the track, Hawaiian Ocean, were recorded in lava caves where the waves would swirl and splash in sonic ecstasy. Other tracks were inspired by the stillness of the desert when it was covered in deep snow. All of the synthesizer compositions attempted to express the awe of witnessing something truly beautiful or inspiring such as the stars sparkling over the desert at night, cactus flowers blooming for the first time in Spring or an amazing cloud at sunset. LEAFBLOWER also attempted to invent new sounds with synthesizers and common objects used in creative ways.
LEAFBLOWER is the title Raquel Bell uses for her solo compositions for synthesizers, field-recordings and ambient works as well as experimental video art. Bell has worked across the United States and Canada touring in experimental music and composing soundtracks for art installations at galleries and museums around the country. She currently lives in Los Angeles, California. Bell performs vocals, synthesizers, and percussion in the duo Galecstasy. Galecstasy created a dance film with original music which premiered at the Taipei International Convention Center in 2020 as well as many live and studio records. Her music has been released on several labels such as LO Recordings (London, England) Aural Canyon (Austin, Texas) and most recently Umé Records in Tokyo, Japan. In Fall of 2022 Weird Cry Records from Ojai, California released a trio drumming and percussion record with drumming by Primary Mystical Experience and Lisa Cameron and percussion by Raquel Bell titled, Orb Servant. Bell and Cameron also play in the duo, Ganjisland (released on Sister Skull Rekkids).
Bell spent 2020/2021 photographing and filming the wild animals in Joshua Tree, California. With the help of Jared Marshall they produced The Animal Ballet, a multi-media dance performance that aims to reveal the astonishing movements of animals and explore the movement of dancers as human animals. Bell also assembles, repairs, and makes video-packs for Sleepy Circuits, the creator of the Hypno Video Synthesizer. Bell uses the Hypno for live performances and as a key component of the Animal Ballet. Bell & Galecstasy won Artists of the Year 2021 at the Marfa Open art festival for presenting the Animal Ballet and several live music performances.
Bell performed in experimental music and dance in New York City for 11 years before moving to Texas in 2015. She is the vocalist and midi-percussionist for Normal Love (NYC). She worked with Newband and the Harry Partch Institute on Partch’s operas Oedipus and Delusion of the Fury, dancing and playing the role of “The Old Goat Woman” in the latter at the Japan Society in Manhattan. She has shown work or performed at The Geffen Contemporary (Los Angeles), Dance Theatre Workshop (NYC), The New Museum (NYC), Jazz Fest Montreal, Eclectic Electric Festival (Ontario, Canada), The Blanton Museum of Art (Austin, TX), NMASS Festival (Austin, TX), No Idea Festival (Austin, TX), Fusebox Festival (Austin, TX) and more.
[www.raquelbell.com](http://www.raquelbell.com/)
**About**
The Soundscape Project consists of sound works played via an outdoor stereo system in the breezeway at the Canopy Complex (916 Springdale Road), from sundown to sunset each day. Each month ICOSA will feature a new sound artist, culled from local, national, and international artist submissions. Each monthly featured artist’s work will be played on a loop and will be accessible to the public free of charge. The Soundscape Project provides sound artists a unique and specific platform for their work, dedicated to the act of listening. For more information and to apply please follow this [LINK”](https://www.icosacollective.com/soundscape)
Reception: September 20, 2024 | 8–10 pm
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