For this workshop, Polish electronic noise artist Ewa Justka will guide you through the creation of a unique, multi-faceted electronic instrument and effects unit, The Voice Odder, which is a compact, voice-altering device inspired by William S. Burroughs’ claim that ‘the word is a virus’. Participants will learn the functions of basic electronic components and how to build electronic circuits. The workshop is for beginners, but experienced participants will have fun as well! ‘The word is now a virus. The flu virus may have once been a healthy lung cell. It is now a parasitic organism that invades and damages the central nervous system. Modern man has lost the option of silence. Try halting sub-vocal speech. Try to achieve even ten seconds of inner silence. You will encounter a resisting organism that forces you to talk. That organism is the word.’ – William S. Burroughs, The Ticket That Exploded During this workshop participants will free themselves of this ‘parasitic resisting organism’ by building a device especially designed for this purpose. This device, The Voice Odder, will allow the participants to hear the invader and even see it as light frequencies. Depending on how you approach it, it can generate crazy noises and surprising sounds. The Voice Odder is a simple electronic circuit based on a delay IC. It has a built-in microphone and includes echo and delay effects, extreme resonance sampling and distortion, which are dependent on resistance and voltage. During the workshop, participants will learn how to build electronic circuits: how to solder, read schematics and data sheets, use a multimeter, and will be introduced to the functions of basic electronic components. All of the materials will be provided and are included in the price. Participants will leave the workshop with their own fully functioning Voice Odder. Enrolment A maximum of 12 people can participate in this workshop. To apply please send a short biography, a motivation why you would like to attend, and your expectations to workshop[@]sonicacts[.]com. The workshop is open to artists, makers and anyone with an interest in electronics, be they beginners or people already familiar with electronics. The deadline for applications is 12 February 2016. Participants must attend the full programme. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. A detailed schedule and more information on how to prepare for the workshop will be sent to the selected participants. Fee Participants pay a € 20 contribution. Lunch will be provided. Participants also benefit from reduced admission fees to the Sonic Acts Academy from 26–28 February 2016.