Pushing Air is a San Francisco-based live looping project blending high-diva vocals, jazz-based improvisation, beatboxing and extended vocal technique. Conservatory-trained and bebop-schooled vocalist Diana Thompson writes and sings all parts. At the core of Pushing Air's "avant world bop" is a loving respect for music of the African and the diaspora, from Congolese Rumba and Cuban Son to American jazz and blues.
Diana has sung with acts as diverse as the Mystic Family Circus, André Custodio, and Scott Sterling. As a founding member of the experimental voice and electronics ensemble Rex Brulée, Diana worked heavily in improvisation, groove-making and extended vocal technique. She also explored the creative possibilities of working purely with voice and live looping, which helped form the structural basis of Pushing Air.
Using digital looping, each performance is a live mix including transitions between songs, emulating the continuous flow of a DJ/Producer set. Pushing Air is available as a solo act or as a combo with the addition of live percussion and bellydance.
Instrumentation
(provided by Pushing Air)
Voice
Sennheiser e835 microphone
Boss RC-20 Loopstation
Boss DD-5 Digital Delay
Behringer Eurorack mixer (for submixing voice and effects)
Technical Requirements
Pushing Air requires only a direct input to your PA system. Pushing Air has a PA system available for SF Bay area venues.
Venues Played (partial list)
111 Minna
Epic Arts
The Luggage Store Gallery
Mama Art Café
Y2K6 Int’l Looping Festival