Toolie Bleu

Calgary, Canada

I am a self-taught artist born in Kelowna, residing in Calgary, working under the not-for-profit record label Oscill8. My work is focused on creating audio performance art intended to both reflect and work in cohesion with the dissonant environment of the modern world. Inspired by sound emitted from natural elements such as wind, water and animals, in tandem with human made, artificial noise emitted from construction, automobiles, and physical travel. I try to merge the gap between electronic, voltage controlled synthesizer music and the organic essence of sounds found only in nature. My process relies heavily on meditation and improvisation, culminating in audio experiments that reflect my philosophy of art as an experience rather than a means to achieve a specific end. I believe that my work should be consumed in open spaces so that it can interact with the natural world to reflect the inspiration I derive from my community and my physical environment. Music became a form of medicine for me after I attempted suicide at the age of 22. It has allowed me to connect on a deeper level with like-minded individuals in my community, process and express complicated, abstract emotions in a meaningful way, and serves as a method to tether my spirit to the natural world.