American composer and musician
Lee Abramson |
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| Born | (1970-09-13)September 13, 1970
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| Died | January 20, 2016(2016-01-20) (aged 45)
Lansing, Michigan, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | University of Michigan |
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| Occupation | Musician |
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| Known for | Use of adaptive technology in music |
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Lee Abramson (September 13, 1970 – January 20, 2016) was an American composer and musician. He was the first person to write music using ModelTalker, a computerized speech production program.[1]
Musical techniques and career
Abramson used adaptive technology, live musicians and electronic technology to create complex musical expressions,[2] all with one finger. His music featured layers of electronic textures, synthesizers, piano, bass, and percussion.[3][4] His music was used as a subject for study in a Michigan State University class.[5] Because of his disability, which limited his ability to control a computer to the use of only one finger,[6] Abramson wrote music one note at a time using software such as Sibelius, LogicPro, ModelTalker to use computer recordings of his voice to "sing" on songs, Keystrokes from Assistiveware as an on-screen keyboard.
Abramson produced an educational series of YouTube videos which explains the 5-step method of making music with ModelTalker, with a 6th video showing a real-time bounce of a Logic Pro project with ModelTalker samples "singing".[7]
Tucker Stilley[8] another musician with ALS, shared his custom KeyStrokes[9] keyboard layout for Logic Pro, Abramson's digital audio workstation without which he said, "Would have made what I do impossible".[10]
Prior to his physical illness, Abramson was the bassist for numerous small bands, including Violet Wine and Punchy.[11] His recent creations are classified as Rumi music, where he set Rumi poetry to music.[3] Abramson has performed under several pen name, including Ace NoFace, under which he wrote and produced the album Toxic Charm.[4] In addition, under Rumi Music, he produced a self-titled album, Rumi Music and later, Vow to Silence.
2012 presidential campaign
Abramson ran for President of the United States as an independent candidate in the 2012 election.[12][13][14] His candidacy was endorsed by The Daily Swarm.[15] Abramson did not appear on any state ballots in that election.
Other ventures
Abramson sold pork rinds on the internet from 1998 to 2000.[17]
Death
Abramson was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in February 2005.[18] He died on January 20, 2016, at the age of 45.[19][20]
