Some folks may label Corey Busboom as a curious DIY-mad scientist, but at least one person doesn't think that the man's homemade musical instruments are too far out there. Namely, Mark Mothersbaugh of '80s band Devo.
As documented in this January 2009 story by Benjamin Leatherman, Mothersbaugh snatched up a grip of Busboom's one-of-a-kind instruments, all which were built using case-mod technology. One such piece of art will be on display at "Phoenix as Wonderland: Art from New Times' Best of Phoenix 2009" exhibit.
"The instrument is built from an old desk calculator that I took apart, removed all the inner workings, and replaced them with a circuit I made from an old 1970s Radio Shack book that explains how to built audio oscillators," explains Busboom, whose band The Coitus will perform on Friday, October 16, during the "Wonderland" Third Friday reception. "The circuit was fitted into the case and attached to the keys of the calculator. Some holes were drilled in the case to attach pitch knobs and switches."
In case you were wondering, the Devo connection has led to additional opportunites for the Phoenix-based creative type. A few months ago, a film crew from Los Angeles visited Busboom's live-work studio and documented the artist as he built an instrument from scratch. No word if or when the flick will hit the big screen, but we'll definitely keep you posted.
In the meantime, check out the "Phoenix as Wonderland: Art from New Times' Best of Phoenix 2009" when it opens with a free First Friday reception on Friday, October 2, at [merz]project, 1437 North First Street. For more information, call 602-229-8478 or write to [email protected].
