Robert Millis

Talking Machine from 2005, installed at the In Resonance show for One Reel/Bumbershoot in Seattle, WA. Designed as a conversation between two vintage wind-up Victrolas (the earliest sound reproduction devices were called “talking machines”), Talking Machine explored the resonance of these old wooden acoustic “record players” while creating a collage of voices from the past. All audio was derived from old 78rpm records—including comedy routines, presidential speeches, minstrel shows, stories and music.