
Ian has created over 120 solo pieces - some
with guitar, bass, drums and radio, and the bulk created with his self built
electronic
tone generators - the Hellitrons. All his short films feature
electronic sound, though only 8 of his tracks have been properly released
- those appear on limited compilation albums listed below, while the rest
languish in the vaults at Helliwell-Hq.
His self-built machines 'The Megatherm' and 'Hellioptical',
are light sensitive instruments which react to specially made super-8 films
to generate electronic sound. Since the start of the 1990s Ian has been pursuing
his own techniques with creative soldering through intuitive electronics,
and continues to add to the Hellitron range.
The performance synth 'Hellisizer
2000' - designed from scratch and 8 months in
construction, made its live debut in September 2007, and formed part of Ian`s
Music, Movies & Machines exhibition and 2008 film. It
can also be heard on the
soundtracks to The Atomium Age and EMS 8.
Explanations and inside info on Ian`s history and working methods:
www.mustekala.info/node/61
Available recordings:
Signal is a compilation of works from a variety of sound artists first deployed
on an internet broadcast channel set up by Brighton outfit Finetuned. This
handsome double cd set features Ian`s piece Sand And Cement,
alongside tracks by 16 other sound artists. (Finetuned 2007)
Workshop
of the World - 41 track double cdr retrospective featuring music
recorded on cassette 4-track from 1991-99, including pieces for guitar, bass,
drums, tape loops, radio, synthesizer and self-built tone generators.
(2005)
Transitions 4 Ep – 4 track vinyl 7inch on Lefta Records, sponsored
by the Avanto Festival in Helsinki. Electronic music created with Helliwell`s
customised circuits, including the soundtrack to ‘The Post Office Tower’.
LEFTA 012 (2001) .
New York NY – film soundtrack on ‘Sonic Postcards’
compilation cd. SANCD01 (2001)
Electron Guns – ‘Saturation’. 6 track cd by Helliwell`s
electro-acoustic group featuring tape loops, electronics, violin, cornet and
percussion. TRIODE 1 (2001)
Into The Light – electronic music soundtrack on ‘Avanto
00’ compilation cd. (2000)


