If you paid a bit extra for the special edition of Neon Indian's “Era Extraña” (Transgressive/Mom+Pop, 2011), you're the proud owner of a PAL 198X - the analogue mini synthesiser developed by Alan Palomo in collaboration with Bleep Laps. “It's a triple triangle-wave oscillator noisemaking device with interchangeable controls for maximal sonic contortion. You can attach knobs, light-reactive photocells, and a variety of other devices for semi-modular capabilities. It can interact with a variety of objects around your house whether electronic in nature or not. It can even interact with your pet. It does not make the same sound twice. Basically, I want you to hack this fucking thing”, said Palomo at the time. Now, the curious device is the subject of a contest that could end up with your music being released on a 7” via Static Tongues, with “a series of drone and percussive lock grooves” generated by Palomo with the PAL on the B-side.
In order to participate in the contest you only need to get as much out of the PAL198X as you can and use the sounds for an original musical or non-musical creation. You have to send the track via SoundCloud, accompanied by a video showing you work the thing, alongside a photo of you and your PAL, with your name next to it. You have until 20th July to take part; Alan himself will pick the winner. Read the instructions here.
Furthermore, if you don't own a PAL, but you would like one, you're in luck: Bleep Labs is manufacturing a new limited run of the device. You can pre-order it here; it'll cost you 15 dollars.
