About Me
Cos Chapman is a London-based musician, sound artist, and educator renowned for his diverse creative pursuits. With a background bridging science and the arts, Chapman's musical journey is marked by innovation and collaboration.
As a co-founder of Rude Mechanicals, Chapman explores a unique fusion of music genres, spanning from swamp-blues to psychedelic-cabaret and post-punk. His versatility shines through as he contributes guitar, bass, and baritone guitar, shaping the band's distinctive sound.
Venturing beyond traditional music, Chapman delves into improvised electro-acoustics, crafting captivating soundscapes for dance, theater, installations, and film. Noteworthy projects such as LAMP - Movement, Light, and Sound, and Rockinghorse highlight his ability to push the boundaries of sonic experimentation.
Chapman's passion for fostering creativity extends to curating events like Witch of The Gate and Open Jack, providing platforms for experimental music and mixed art-form evenings.
With a keen eye for collaboration and a commitment to pushing artistic boundaries, Chapman continues to inspire and innovate, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music and sound art.
STATEMENT
In the realm of music and sonic experimentation, I explore unconventional sounds using electronics and found objects, relishing collaborative efforts.
My primary endeavor, Rude Mechanicals, led by Miss Roberts, spans genres from swamp-blues to psychedelic-cabaret and post-punk. Within the band, I contribute on guitar, bass, and baritone guitar, while also co-writing and arranging the majority of our songs. Additionally, I'm honored to lend my guitar skills to various projects such as Anne Pigalle, Alternative TV, and more.
Diving into improvised electro-acoustics, I craft live soundscapes for dance, theater, and film. Key projects include LAMP - Movement, Light, and Sound, and Rockinghorse - an experimental fusion of movement, spoken word, and sound. My involvement in Lingering Games in Taiwan expanded my global reach.
Alongside my creative pursuits, I curate events like Witch of The Gate and Open Jack, offering platforms for mixed art-form evenings and showcasing experimental music.
Currently, I'm venturing into building my own sound circuits, integrating them into installations and performances, although still in the experimental phase.
Drawing from a broad range of experience in science and the arts, I bring specialized knowledge and skills to collaborative endeavors. From developing soundtracks for various mediums to engaging with emerging talents, I find fulfillment in each creative pursuit.
Moving forward, my goals center around nurturing my projects, seeking artistic collaborations, and seizing performance opportunities. My specialties encompass sound design, composition, teaching, event organization, sound engineering, music software, IT, performance, cross-disciplinary collaborations, and various art forms.
Cos Chapman’s Backstory…
Cos Chapman's journey is as eclectic as his music. Originally trained as an oceanographer, he found his true passion in sound and music experimentation, even while sailing the North Atlantic, analyzing data, and writing software. In 1989, he veered off his scientific path, embarking on a year-long European adventure in a VW camper-van, fueled by music and spontaneity, where he honed his skills as a busker alongside his girlfriend, Alex.
His academic pursuits took him to Lancaster University, where he initially studied computing before switching to Music and Philosophy, delving into cross-art collaborations and soundtracks. As president of the Theatre Group, he produced numerous events, including promenade performances that inspired his long-running project, the band "Rude Mechanicals."
Transitioning to Cambridge, Chapman immersed himself in electro-acoustic composition, founding LEAPS to showcase experimental student work. His exploration of live performance led him to realize the spontaneity and excitement of creating sounds on stage, a departure from his meticulous studio work.
In 2005, Chapman brought his expertise to London, lecturing in Music Technology and Media Studies. Notably, his teaching saw remarkable student progress, earning the highest "Value Added" marks in the country.
Today, Chapman's freelance endeavors span continents, from Lingering Games in Taiwan to joining Alternative TV on guitar. Yet, his heart remains with Rude Mechanicals, where he continues to co-write and produce their music, shaping his legacy as a versatile musician and innovator.
