Contact: apk (at) dataobscura.com
Anthony Paul Kerby (APK) is an electro-ambient musican and wine drinker residing in Ontario, Canada. He was born and raised in England. Initial instrument was acoustic guitar (classical), but now almost exclusively keyboards and related electronic technology, digital manipulations, and field recordings. He crafts original sonic landscapes and subtle electronica under three names: The Circular Ruins, Lammergeyer, and Nunc Stans. He has released many highly-praised solo albums and a number of collaborations.
The music tends towards fascinating soundscapes that range from lush to minimal, often melancholic and thoughtful, and interwoven with understated melodic and rhythmic elements, plus a scattering of indecipherable voices, curious noises, and ambient field recordings. It is well-crafted music that rewards close listening and that will have you coming back for more. It's inventive and contemporary, with an individual style and a deep sense of intrigue and mystery.
The name The Circular Ruins (TCR) is derived from a short story of that name by the now deceased Argentinian writer Jorge Louis Borges -- a weaver of labyrinthine short stories, full of curiosities, and usually with a metaphysical twist. TCR is dynamic, sometimes rhythmic, and always rich and moving. TCR was created back at the turn of the century (there were 3 releases on the original and pioneering mp3.com).
A Lammergeyer is a large, graceful eagle-like bird found in mountainous areas in southern Europe and all the way to China. The music of the Lammergeyer project is like soaring at high altitude over deserted mountain passes and crags. This is not drift or drone ambient but a more complex beast altogether. It is music envisaged for film, with developing themes and atmospheres. It will carry you along in an almost visual journey. The Lammergeyer projects primarily use additive synthesis for their composition.
Nunc Stans releases were anonymous releases until February 2008, at which point the style had grown closer to Anthony's other projects and it became obvious to many that he was the author. "Nunc stans" is latin and literally means the standing now, the enduring present that we exist in. The Nunc Stans project was originally conceived as a more drone-based music than either TCR or Lammergeyer, and has developed into a glacial and grainy deep ambient style deriving from visions of a more northern, isolated and inhospitable Canadian landscape.
Anthony also runs the DataObscura and Blue Oasis record labels, where he releases his own works and various other respected contemporary artists in the field of electro-ambient and experimental music. He designs much of the artwork for the releases and does the final audio mastering at his own studio.
He studied both art and philosophy at university in Canada, taught philosophy for a number of years until seeing the futility. He becomes an avid naturalist, camper, and outdoor photographer/sound recordist in the spring and summer.
Current Equipment (2008)
Access Virus Indigo (main synth)
Korg MS2000
Waldorf microQ
Dave Smith Evolver
Alesis QS6.1 (used as a midi keyboard)
EMU Audity 2000
EMU XL-7
Alesis Micron
Yamaha TX7
Yamaha TG33
Korg Electribe R
Korg Electribe S
Radio Shack DX-394 (radio receiver ... noise! )
Electrix Mo-Fx
Electrix Filter Queen (currently broken)
Korg Kaoss Pad 3 (hands-on effects)
Alesis air FX (another hands-on device)
TC Electronic M300
FMR Audio RNC1773 (compressor)
Behringer BCR2000 (midi controller)
Edirol UM-880 (8x8 midi interface)
Edirol R-09 (hand-held stereo field-recorder)
Reaper (DAW sequencer on WinXP)
Focusrite AD/DA interface
Event studio monitors
A lot of VST soft-synths and effects.
Soft-synths and effects are used as much as hardware.
