Optech

Optech is the live drum'n bass performance of Oskar Janssen and Auke Kruithof. They share an interest in drum'n bass and motion graphics and have been working on this project for 3 years. Inspired by early dnb legends like Photek and Technical Itch, they have produced a dark and atmospheric sound, backed up by technical and grimey visuals.

They have created an audio-visual interface that offers maximum creative freedom onstage. The visuals are synced to the music and every aspect of both the visuals and the breaks can be manipulated. Optech performs 100% live, using 3 laptop, MIDI-controllers and other gadgets. They even let the audience take control, by giving them control over the beats and projected visuals using a playstation-controller!

Auke was born on 7th of march, 1982, in the center of Rotterdam. Growing up with an old MSX, he got interested in computers at an early age. A lot of his work is infuenced by the city. The solid forms of architecture, graffiti, the nightlife and even the subway are things that inspire him in his visuals and music. Lately 2003 he got an assignment at school where he had to do 'anything with visuals and sound' so he produced a drum 'n bass track and made (his first) visuals for it using 3D and filming in the subway performing them both live at the same time. That was the very first step in what eventually became Optech. He has now been VJ'ing for about 4 years at various parties in Holland.