2nd Line – Steve Buchanan

Description in English Chinese Italiano Francais

2nd Line is an interactive percussion unit, which allows for full integration of dance and music. A musician can dance any percussion sound and/ or rhythmic ensemble; Conversely a dancer the same. 2nd Line is the 8th generational form of Bucussion, an invention of Steve Buchanan, who designed both instrument and accompanying techniques.The present design is capable of any percussion sound: battery, conga, tabla, tympani, gongs, etc. As well it is of course compatible with all present tech mediums, and can be used with any interface visual as well as sonor. A prime example presently being the use of programmable LEDs. Although the sounds are represented by digital means, no simple drum sequences, or just push a button sample work are utilized as primary expression.

As the artist states: “I love to dance, and that means work and sweat!”

2 IMPORTANT points

2nd Line is NOT tap dance. Metal taps are neither necessary nor useful on this instrument. That is not to say that I do not have a strong and respectful knowledge of the tradition, especially coming from Philly which has produced lots of great hoofers. That being said my shoes are ‘On Tight’ with or without metal. Bill Robinson never had metal on his shoes, yet he was surely one of the great “tap” dancers of all time. I find very interesting the mutation of traditional forms. After all the adaptation of metal “taps” onto shoes was a fairly late evolution in the history of foot dancing / percussion.

2nd Line is NOT experimental. This is a convenient phrase often used in the art world to ensure that one is neither paid nor adequately recognized. 2nd line has 15 years of R+D behind it, a week residency in Steim (1996) and was carefully designed by various professionals in their respective fields. 2nd Line has proven itself worldwide as a valid instrument of music and dance; in varied genres. The techniques developed by myself are clear and well formulated; they have met with repeated success both on stage and in educational circumstances. Therefore it is safe to say that empirically speaking 2nd line and its techniques are adequately proven and well documented. In summation: the phrase experimental fits neither linguistically nor metaphorically .