Velvet Gentleman - Chris Rainier

Chris Rainier is an Australian multi-instrumentalist, performer, composer/improviser and visual artist from Melbourne, Australia, now based in London.

For the last decade he has focused on extending the sonic possibilities of the lap steel guitar beyond its historic use and context. Drawing on traditional techniques and repertoires, he has explored new musical territories that embrace a disparate range of musical influences: 20th century classical, tape looping, microtones, drone, exotica, futurist noise and pre-war Hawaiian steel guitar. He uses a combination of acoustic techniques, mechanical devices and preparations - influenced by the work of composer John Cage, and guitarists Fred Frith and Hans Reichel - as well as a selection of electronic effects pedals.

Rainier completed a Masters Degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, researching microtonality and new instrument designs, as influenced by the work of composer Harry Partch. Shortly thereafter, he performed the Australasian premiere of Partch's work Barstow on ABC Radio National's The Music Show, as well as in concert with acclaimed Australian contemporary music group Ensemble Offspring. Recently, Rainier presented an evening of Partch's rarely heard works for voice and microtonal guitar as part of Melbourne Music Week 2013. This performance included readings and musical extracts from his depression-era journal bitter music, and showcased a specially commissioned replica of Partch's Adapted Guitar I from the early 1940's.

Rainier has performed nationally and internationally at various festivals, art galleries and non-traditional performance spaces, often improvising live soundtracks to film.

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