We Interrupt this Broadcast 70/21

We Interrupt this Broadcast: 70/21 is an interdisciplinary sequel to the award-winning predecessor We Interrupt this Broadcast: 1936-69, with the same instrumentation (flute, clarinet in Bb, piano, violin, electronic sound design and pre-recorded narration), and a duration of 26.30, accompanied by video installation.  Similar to 1936-69’, this work is a musical commentary of various broadcast and media footages from the US, UK, France, Germany and South Africa from 1970-2021, exploring the hypnotic quality of news presenters, political figures and celebrities, which could have an addictive quality and daily impact on one’s mindset.  Also taking influence from 1936-69’, each section weaves into another as vintage artifacts from earlier generations, somewhat representing the recorded verbatim text art that looms through hollow walls of contemporary museum exhibits.   We Interrupt this Broadcast: 70/21 has a rather pulsing/upbeat atmosphere, due to the advancement of the media from these years, including “funky” and “groovy” textures.  In addition to the inclusion of well-known national anthems and historical classical compositions, 70/21 employs contemporary techniques of musical quotation and light arrangements of a few pop songs and movie themes since the 1970s throughout the work, paying homage to its relevant time within these decades.  This sequel is also rather “satirically comical,” since the media’s environment has developed into an entertainment landscape throughout the historical years explored in this work.  Unlike the predecessor, 70/21 is more “political” by nature, due to our society being further exposed to government bureaucracy and presidential election campaigning through the advancement of media platforms and YouTube internet streaming.  We Interrupt this Broadcast: 70/21 was awarded the 2024 NYSCA Support for Artist Interdisciplinary Grant, and premiered at The Cell Theatre in NYC on December 15, 2024.