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Moonlight Music: Geologist Records Album Using Lunar Light
19 Aug
Summary
- Geologist recorded an album using moonlight from an observatory.
- The telescope's light sensors converted celestial light into electrical signals.
- The resulting sonic elements controlled Geologist's modular synthesizer.
In 2026, Brian Weitz, known as Geologist from Animal Collective, collaborated with visual artist Kyle Simon at his Farrington Observatory in Joshua Tree. Together, they recorded a novel album by harnessing the light of the full moon. This unique composition is now being released as 'The Sirens' on October 16.
Simon's innovative technique involved using a telescope equipped with optical sensors and photodiodes. As the telescope tracked celestial objects, it captured their light, converting it into an electrical signal. This signal was then fed into Geologist's modular synthesizer rig, allowing real-time modulation of pitch, filter, rhythm, and other sonic aspects.
'The Sirens' represents Geologist's third solo project in 2026, following 'Can I Get a Pack of Camel Lights?' in January and the Avey Tare collaboration 'Croz Boyce' in May. Geologist and Avey Tare are also scheduled to begin a tour next month, with a notable stop in Asheville, North Carolina, on September 8.
