Teenage Engineering, a prominent electronics innovator based in Stockholm, has introduced an imaginative series of audio devices named 'The Choir.' This collection features eight distinct digital speakers, each meticulously carved from beechwood into charming, robotic figures. These unique dolls are designed to produce an ethereal auditory experience, blending human vocal characteristics with electronic elements. The ensemble has already found its way into significant projects, notably contributing to the score of Disney and Pixar's upcoming film, 'Elio', demonstrating its innovative application in cinematic sound design.
The Choir represents a fascinating fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern technology, creating an unparalleled sonic palette. Each of the eight beechwood figurines is endowed with its own specific vocal register, allowing for complex harmonic arrangements when linked. This innovative approach to sound generation offers a novel tool for musicians and composers seeking to explore new sonic textures, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in digital audio. The integration of these unique speakers into a major film score underscores their potential to redefine how we perceive and create music.
The Beechwood Choir: A Harmony of Craftsmanship and Technology
Teenage Engineering, a Swedish electronics firm, has launched an intriguing new line of digital speakers called 'The Choir.' This collection consists of eight individual beechwood figurines, each designed to emulate a unique vocal range, from contralto to tenor. These whimsical, robotic dolls can connect wirelessly using Bluetooth Low Energy, allowing up to 15 units to form a synchronized musical group. Powered by internal speakers that can operate for several hours, they are capable of playing pre-recorded compositions or performing original pieces when connected to a MIDI keyboard. The resulting sound is a captivating blend of human-like vocalizations and electronic tones, creating an otherworldly auditory experience that blurs the lines between organic and synthetic.
Each member of 'The Choir' boasts a distinct personality and vocal characteristic. For instance, 'Olga' is a Russian contralto shaped like a Matryoshka doll, while 'Bogdan' provides a deep bass, characterized by a bulky hat, and 'Miki' from Japan delivers a clear tenor. This diversity allows for rich, layered soundscapes. The ability to link these figures wirelessly enables dynamic musical arrangements, offering musicians and sound designers a versatile tool. The combination of handcrafted beechwood aesthetics with advanced digital audio technology provides not only an engaging visual element but also a unique sonic signature, making 'The Choir' a standout innovation in the realm of audio systems and a testament to Teenage Engineering's creative design philosophy.
'Elio's' Extraterrestrial Score: A Cinematic Application
The distinctive sound of Teenage Engineering's 'Choir' dolls has captivated notable figures in the music industry, including acclaimed composer Rob Simonsen. Known for his work on major films like 'The Whale' and 'Ghostbusters: Afterlife,' Simonsen sought an extraordinary sonic element for Disney and Pixar's upcoming space-themed movie, 'Elio.' His goal was to evoke an otherworldly atmosphere that felt both relatable and alien. Upon encountering a demonstration of 'The Choir,' Simonsen immediately recognized its potential, describing its sound as beautiful, electronic yet human, and possessing a robotic yet organic quality. He found the dolls to be the perfect solution for creating the unique vocalizations and communications required for the film's extraterrestrial setting.
Simonsen's decision to integrate 'The Choir' into the 'Elio' soundtrack highlights the dolls' capacity to produce sounds that transcend conventional musical instruments. The nuanced interplay between their electronic origins and their human-like vocal qualities allowed him to craft a score that perfectly complemented the film's cosmic narrative. He noted that the dolls provided a sense of communication that was understandable to humans yet distinctly from another world, embodying the film's essence. This innovative use of 'The Choir' in a major motion picture underscores its versatility and unique appeal, demonstrating how cutting-edge audio technology can be employed to enhance storytelling and create immersive cinematic experiences. The dolls, available individually or as a complete set, are positioned as a sophisticated tool for creative expression.