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In the early ’80s, Rick Walker, his brother Bill and a multi-instrumentalist named Gary Regina were just three guys experimenting with some little-known cutting edge technology during the prime time dinner hour at Mobo Sushi. “I’m almost positive we had the first live looping monthly gig that was called a live looping gig I think in the country if not the world,” says Walker. “They gave us carte blanche to just go in and basically learn how to do this thing.” A quarter century later, Walker considers himself a professional live looping artist, composer of abstract electronica and trailblazer of a movement that he is convinced is poised to explode on the mainstream music scene. “It’s a tool,” he claims, “that is now in any sophisticated musician’s toolbox.” A synthesis of art and technology, live looping involves recording a series of notes, beats or sounds that can be made with any instrument or found object (Walker has been known to manipulate the sonic potential of brass candy dishes, toys and pint glasses.) The recording is then played continuously or “looped.” Other recordings are made and strategically woven together to compelling aural effect. Walker proudly rattles off a catalogue of pop music moguls who currently incorporate live looping into their shows, among them Bjork, Madonna, Peter Gabriel and Imogen Heap. But while live looping may be a burgeoning global phenomenon, many consider Santa Cruz to be the movement’s original hub thanks to Walker’s Y2K International Live Looping Festival. Beginning the fest back in 2000, Walker woos an ever-expanding roster of live looping illuminati to perform each year, with this year’s headliners hailing from a host of exotic locales that include Turkey, Italy, Germany and Singapore. “It’s completely changed my life,” says Walker, who before beginning his looping investigations was a mere drummer. “I’m learning a new instrument every three months in my life … It’s incredibly liberating.” Info: Oct. 19 - 21. Check for start times. Pearl Alley Studios, 120 Pearl Alley, Santa Cruz. $10. y2kloopfest.com . 
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