About
SNS Sun Ra:Lectric / The Institute for Contemporary Art, University of Pennsylvania / July 2009
Saturn Never Sleeps was originally created by music producer King Britt and artist Rucyl for two performances specifically dedicated to the music and sound of Sun-Ra. Inspired by the works of classic electronic innovators like Herbie Hancock, Raymond Scott and Delia Derbyshire, the experiment began July 2009 and continued every month at Painted Bride Art Center in Philadelphia and at the Knitting Factory in Brooklyn. SNS is also an independent record label.
SNS Harmonic Dissonance, Philadelphia/ Painted Bride Arts Center / October 2009 with Taylor McFerrin, Stef Eye, Sarah White, Rico, and Peter Parker (Visuals)
A celebration of the electric sound phenomenon and all that inspires it, SNS in ensemble form combines audio visual micro-components into a thought altering world of sight and sound. Live musicians of acoustic and electronic inventions are curated as objects of art, coming together to create a dimensional environment of delectable oscillations and bleeps for the modern audiophile. Guest appearances by today’s visual and sonic innovators stretch the boundaries of genre, rhythm, and concept. The live two person show consists of King Britt on samples, beats, and textures with Rucyl layering vocals and added electronic instrumentation.
SNS Madrid, Spain / Charada Club de Baile / August 2010
SNS has performed at: The World Financial Center (NYC), Painted Bride Arts Center (Philadelphia), Knitting Factory (Brooklyn), Institute of Contemporary Art (Philadelphia), Ghetto (Istanbul), Berghain (Berlin), Charada Club de Baile (Madrid), Stadtmusik Festival at Kunstmuseum (Basel, Switzerland), The Swiss National Museum (Zurich, Switzerland).
Rucyl (pronounced roo-SILL) is a multimedia artist who experiments with sound and visual stimulus. In 2008 she built the Chakakhantroller, a wearable midi controller, and continues to experiment with new formats of musical and electronic expression. Original member of the Goats, an alternative hip hop group (Ruffhouse/Columbia Records) in the 90s, Rucyl continued a rogue musical lifestyle in New York, making beats, experimental soul and jazz mashup tracks. She has a Masters degree in Interactive Telecommunications from Tisch NYU ITP.
King Britt started his career in 1990 on the now legendary house label Strictly Rhythm as E-Culture, was Silkworm in the groundbreaking, Grammy winning Digable Planets, started Ovum Recordings with Josh Wink, produced platinum remixes for Miles Davis, George Duke, Santigold and countless others across a range of genres. In 2007 he was the first DJ/Producer to win the prestigious The Pew Fellowship. Few know of his vintage synth collection, love for experimental music, or the fact that he started a Depeche Mode cover band in high school.
What is Saturn Never Sleeps? An Interview with King Britt: