Eli Keszler, Rashad Becker

Eli Keszler is an artist/composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Providence, Rhode Island. He primarily uses percussion, motors, bowed crotales, guitar as well as invented instruments (his harps which use strings and motors) to create his sound that balances droning harmonics with shattering acoustic sustain and fast, free rhythm, all working in balance with his integrated installations. In addition to his solo releases, installations, visual art and performances, Eli has performed, recorded or collaborated with artists such as Phill Niblock (performing on a new work of his for Crotales and soprano saxophone with Ashley Paul), Aki Onda, Loren Connors, Jandek (I.C.A Boston and at NYU), Roscoe Mitchell (Art Ensemble of Chicago), Joe Mcphee, Anthony Coleman (recording Lapidation released by New World Records), Joe Morris, Greg Kelley (Nmperign), T Model Ford, Ran Blake, Bryan Eubanks, Ashley Paul and Steve Pyne (Redhorse). He performed in the United States premiere of Mauricio Kagel's Der Schall at Merkin Hall in 2008 led by Anthony Coleman. He has toured internationally finishing a 6-week European tour in December of 2009, performing at Colour Out Of Space Festival in Brighton England as well as Sound-Body-Movement in Ostrava in the Czech Republic. His installations have been featured in collaboration with Red Horse at the Mills Gallery, the Boston Cyber Arts Festival, the Stairwell Gallery in Providence and Issue Project Room in Brooklyn. In addition to performing over 25 other gigs in England, France, Spain, Italy, Slovenia, Switzerland, the Netherlands and Serbia. He has recently completed his second CD and his 7th release titled Tilt, which received a feature in Wire Magazine along with his duo 'Aster' LP with Ashley Paul (saxophone/clarinet/strings). In addition to his performing, his compositions have been performed at Jordan Hall, the 1st and 2nd Church of Boston, and Boston Conservatory. He also runs the label rel records, which releases hand-made art edition LP's, CD's and Cassette designs. Rel has received features in Wire Magazine, Arthur Magazine, The Boston Phoenix, Spex (Germany), The Sound Projector and Blow Up Magazine (Italy). It is distributed internationally by Metamkine, Art-Into-Life, and Volcanic Tongue and in the USA by Forced Exposure and Mimaroglu Music Sales. His debut release on the legendary label ESP-DISK' titled Oxtirn, has just been released. He is represented in Europe and the UK by No-Fi Productions (http://www.no-fi.org.uk).