INSIDE LOOK | The Sound of CIRCLES: going in / September 20, 2021 by PearlArts Studios

“I can make this just this and then I can distort it./I can add effects.

Echo reverb.

And that's just one sound./So then here's my other sound.

There's my little hi hat, little noise that I have with different tunings.

8 clap ride move dub easy

better, better, better, better…”

Eko Chamber Collective: Music for the Times / August 13, 2020 by Kitoko Chargois | PearlArts Studios

Where many of us take the acoustics of a space for granted, Herman “Soy Sos” Pearl sees potential. In February 2020, Soy Sos, co-executive director of PearlArts Studios and founder of Tuff Sound Recording, launched the Eko Chamber Collective in the lobby of the Warhol museum for the Warhol Sound Series. The collective is a live electro-acoustic 6-piece ensemble that utilizes spatialized performance techniques that cater to reverberant spaces. If the February performance left you wanting more or you didn’t get a chance to attend, The Warhol has just released a virtual performance of a new project by the Collective, featuring Soy Sos and Eko Chamber Musicians Brittany Trotter (Flute) and Paul Thompson (Bass). Titled “Layer, Rinse, Repeat,” the musicians put this project together from the comfort of their own homes. The project was presented as part of the Warhol’s "at home" Silver Studio Sessions.

Across the Floor: Anniversary Edition #8 / June 5, 2020 by Guest User

Illuminated by soul and funk music during the 50s and mid 70s, Staycee and Herman Pearl premiered the production sol. at the first pearlPRESENTS Dance Festival in summer of 2019. sol. echoes the emphatic sounds of the musical phenomenon and exceeds it with powerful and elegant movement. The sumptuous vibes fill the space to the brim, abundant with dancers embodying the relentless energy of the era in overwhelming floral and retro patterns. This week we wrap up the 10th anniversary of STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos and the birthday of co-founding artistic director Staycee Pearl, reflecting on the innovative sounds and enduring memories of joy that soul music made and continues to move generations in this Q&A and our Spotify playlist expertly curated by STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos.

Across the Floor: Anniversary Edition #7 / May 27, 2020 by Guest User

In the 2019 production of sym, STAYCEE PEARL dance project & Soy Sos tunneled through the paradoxical universe of vampires and humans to navigate symbiosis, gender identity and race inspired by Octavia Butler’s “Fledgling.” Transcendent, fixed, and changing, Staycee and Herman conjured a deep naturalism with live experimental music by musicians Sadie Powers, Bonnie Jones, & Soy Sos as well as artwork by acclaimed visual artist Barbara Weissberger.

Across the Floor: Anniversary Edition #6 / May 24, 2020 by Guest User

In 2017, Staycee and Herman revisited their love for jazz vocalist, composer, and civil rights activist Abbey Lincoln in their production ABBEY: In The Red. Rather than pull directly from raw compositions of Lincoln’s music, the production concentrates on the intricacies of her voice and historical influence during the Jazz age with a contemporary arrangement of her work. STAYCEE PEARL dance project was accompanied in the August Wilson Center with a live quintet of woodwinds, strings and electronics curated by Herman Pearl and arranged by saxophonist Ben Opie. However, they didn’t just stop there.

Across the Floor: Anniversary Edition #5 / May 20, 2020 by Guest User

Following playground, Staycee and Herman Pearl rekindled their love for the ‘90s nightlife in the production of FLOWERz. FLOWERz bottles the relentless and ecstatic energy of the house music scene, pulling from memories of Staycee’s experiences in dance clubs and Herman’s discoveries as a music producer during the time. STAYCEE PEARL dance project dancers not only explored movement professionally, but also investigated social dances and partnered phrases to bring the party scene to the stage. This week, we circled back to Staycee and Herman Pearl on the importance of creating FLOWERz and performing it in 2016.

PearlArts Round-Up #6: 6 Ways to Support Pittsburgh Artists (At Home!) / March 26, 2020 by Guest User

Looking to shake up your routine? We’re delighted to share our team’s recommendations to nourish you and your loved ones safely at home. This month we are showing some extra love to inspirational work by Pittsburgh-based artists who are producing resourceful and entertaining content online. Please enjoy and stay safe, everyone!

PearlArts Round-Up #4: New Sound in Pittsburgh / February 25, 2020 by Guest User

By Ally Tayag Ricarte
PearlArts Studios

Thank you for all who attended the debut of Eko Chamber Collective at the Warhol Sound Series! From Herman 'Soy Sos' Pearl's inspiration for the ensemble to the post-performance feedback, we have been so grateful for the opportunity and support from the Andy Warhol Museum.

We’d like to extend our gratitude to Ben Harrison, Jessica Beck and Keith at The Warhol Museum for bringing this event to life and Richard Nicol of Pittsburgh Modular for sharing his synthesizer as well as shooting video documentation of the work. We are thrilled for the continued interest in Pittsburgh sound artists and musicians and cannot wait for the next show!

About Eko Chamber Collective:

Eko Chamber Collective features an eclectic roster of Pittsburgh-based musicians including Herman Pearl, aka Soy Sos, (electronics), Brittany Trotter (flute), Anqwenique Kinsel (voice), Sadie Powers (bass), Paul Thompson (bass), and Brian Riordan (live processing). The collective is a live electro-acoustic ensemble that utilizes spatialized performance techniques that cater to reverberant spaces. With the use of a multi-channel sound system, the group creates an immersive sound environment by collaborating with the acoustics and architecture of spaces rather than working against them, and this site-specific performance has been developed with our entrance space in mind. Audience members are encouraged to move about the performance space, as the ensemble’s compositions are created to lend themselves to unique sonic experiences, which unfold differently depending on one's vantage point.

PearlArts Round-Up #2 / November 25, 2019 by Guest User

We’re bringing in the holiday season with some new recommendations from our PearlArts team!