World-Electric
Melding intercontinental sounds and instruments like the Cellotaur into an audio-visual feast, PULSE is an expansive experience of original and familiar music, set in a retro-futuristic nether-realm... a new concept of total art performance from the imagination of award-winning cellist/composer/artist Martin Johann Kloppers.
With his famous bloody skeleton-cello, the Cellotaur, amazing percussionists, vocalists, musicians and stunning Global drums, the mix of original music and unique covers takes on a fantastical visual realm.
PULSE as a band was originally conceptualized out of a Fringe production in 2010, which featured songs and music performed in a dramatic setting. The thoughtful energy and multicultural influences of the group soon gained attention, and they were performing events such as North Country Fair and the RBC Junior Cup in 2011.
Martin recorded and produced a demo PULSE CD also in 2011, and with additional new songs and remixing now nearly complete, the group is looking to release its full CD in 2013.
An impromptu audition by Martin with his Cellotaur netted a spot in the gorgeous Travel Alberta 2012 full-length commercial "There is...", and 30-second versions featuring the group will release in March 2013 (USA) and April 2013 (CANADA). The music for the short version is based on PULSE's "Earthblood".
The new Global drums were completed and debuted at NME's Festival of New Music in the fall of 2012, in a performance of "The Dark Swan".
Martin Johann Kloppers
Martin Broke onto the Canadian Indie music scene with the enigmatic Feeding Like Butterflies, winning a dozen ARIA awards for their four CDs, and sharing the stage with the likes of Matthew Good, Blue Rodeo, Spirit of the West and the Crash Test Dummies. His diverse musical experience (including orchestral, theater, folk, world, and pop genres) is evident in his songs/compositions and has been applied to his world-class sculpted electric cello. The result is a surprising array of sounds that range from ancient to haunting, and hints at another world.
(Photo by Daniel Torres)
In addition to performance and music, Martin's imagination allows him to cross-innovate between many artisctic skills including TIG welding, sculpture, design and fabrication, to produce many of the instruments and gear in PULSE. Consequently, PULSE is an exibition of total art performance.
Barb Johnson
Barb has developed her own style of performance around the huge Global drums, which require a large wingspan! The movement combines athleticism, grace, core strength akin to yoga, taiko, and even an element of martial arts. Rehearsals and performances are a real workout!
Sparrow Grace
(Photo by John Matheson)
Songstress Sparrow Grace (Tiffany Brulotte) is a Canadian singer songwriter and kirtan artist. She offers musical experiences featuring her original world folk songs blended with uplifting, moving kirtan, mantras and chants. Sparrow has been travelling the world sharing the gifts of song with many cultures. With tones ranging from dulcet to powerful, her music is heartfelt, inspiring and eclectic. The songs she shares reflect the common threads among cultures and the lessons of her extraordinary journeys.
Brennan Cameron
(Photo by John Matheson)
(Photo by Brian Zahorodniuk)
Matt Grier
(Photo by John Matheson)
"The perspective that music is a living, breathing organism is acutely felt in the band PULSE... the visually stunning instrumentation and eclectically beautiful music is rich in depth and interest... It is the imaginative vision of PULSE that makes it a truly timeless innovation; combining the future and past, and the mystical beauty of accidental order... a communication with the universe."
-Chantele Theroux, Phabrik Magazine
(Photo by Axe music)
"Be prepared for an extravagant showcase of emotionally-charged music.... Wonderfully pulsating."
-Kristina de Guzman, Vue Magazine
"... laced with delicate cello, piano, and haunting vocals, all performed with such powerful physical grace it crosses into athleticism, the familiar music becomes something entirely unusual. Pulse's message is an inspiring one.... Prepare to be uplifted."
(Photo by Tracy Kolenchuk)
-Robin Schroffel, See Magazine
"...the passion is unquestionable... there's a shattered sense of time about the show... maybe the year 2250..."
-Fish Griwkowsky, Edmonton Sun
"Visually stimulating and wonderfully entertaining... wowed the audience. I HIGHLY recommend PULSE."
-Phil Alain, Night of Artists
(Photo by John Matheson)
This site is designed by Martin Johann Kloppers. The intention is for the site to have a unique look, with emphasis on pictures, artwork, music, and concept. It is continually being tweaked and expanded, and, much like any organism, is constantly evolving.
Every effort has been made to accomodate the various browsers/versions out there. We welcome any comments, tips, questions or suggestions.
All artwork is copyright (c) Martin Johann Kloppers unless otherwise attributed to acknowledged owners/authors/photographers. Pictures and code may be used *with consent* of owners.
We would like to thank Mr. Stuart Nicholls from CSS play for providing portions of code, gallery (except IE), and content tables, along with prompt service and proofreading of this site. Highly recommended.
Please contact us at:
music@pulseworld.ca
