Melon Sprout makes noise in Chicago with handmade ceramic instruments and real time audio processing. Melon's ceramic instruments include shakerboxes, drums, trumpets, and flutes, ranging. in size from hand-held to monolithic sculpture. These ceramic instruments are processed in parallel signal paths through a hybrid eurorack and effects pedal chain to emphasize the unique resonance and percussive nature of ceramic instruments.



Melon Sprout is a three-dimensional sound maker in Chicago who performs with hand-made ceramic instruments. Their instruments range in size and functional activation from hand held shaker boxes to monolithic drums. Sprout organizes dynamic performances where live sound engages viewers in an anti-hierarchical viewing setting. Sprout’s high-energy performances utilize amplified ceramic instruments in physically and sonically challenging works. Central to Sprout’s practice is the quality of ceramic resonance. Studio investigations that research Showcasing in the live and researching in the studio, Melon’s ceramic instruments facilitate appreciation for the ceramic object’s inherent link to craft and functionality while at the same time encouraging viewers to deeply listen to the sound of ceramic.




Ceramic Cymbal Amplification
Live at Tritriangle, Chicago
Photo courtesy of Clark Woods



Asterisk
2022
5’x3’x2’
Ceramic, glaze, PC-11, glue, rawhide, ink
Granite Flute
2021
10”x1”x3”
ceramic, granite, glaze, soda ash