YARNS
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YARNS is a study group who’s aim is to rethink, question and
re-invent the ethics and policies of “the band”. Initiated by
On Land Collective /Association (OLC/A) in the spring of
2022, premiered in the summer at Belluard Bollwerk in
Fribourg (CH), YARNS weave a social fabric that fosters
multiple perspectives, the redistribution of power and
planned break-ups.
At the moment, YARNS is composed of Aram Abbas, Nelson Beer,
Romane Chabrol-Prudent, Varoujan Chetirian & Lore DeSelys.
The stereotypical band invokes hierarchy, patrimony, gate-
keeping, sad break-ups and many other relationship failures
that are still fetishised in the music industry. YARNS is a
response to the situation of “the band”.
YARNS is a collective and collaborative performance that
focuses on polyphony, and the act of listening. Each player
is given a set of sounds to work with, and can bring their
own to the pool. Then, they improvise with fellow players and
choose, according to a common framework, how they want to
process or interpret the sounds. Each player has a limited
amount of « speech » time, which invokes them also to listen.
Once the year ends, current players commission the subsequent
group of players and have the responsibility of looking over
them by sharing with them tools on communication,
improvisation and listening. They help finding places to
play, and make sure the production goes smoothly.
Commission of artists are wary of equality and
intersectionality, based on individual trust and cultural
affiliation, and voted by consensus.
The cycle continues, always redistributing power, allowing
voices to become polyphonic and in constant flux, to weave
links and pass on a passion for mutual learning and
benevolence. If they wish so, players are encouraged to
become members of OLC/A where they will get continued support
from their peers.
Previous players of YARNS progressively lose their voices
from the voting process, but remain as resources, in case
they are needed.
(All photos © Julie Folly)
