Phonograph

The phonograph is a device invented in 1877 for the mechanical recording and reproduction of sound. In its later forms it is also called a gramophone (as a trademark since 1887, as a generic name since c. 1900). The sound vibration waveforms are recorded as corresponding physical deviations of a spiral groove engraved, etched, incised, or impressed into the surface of a rotating cylinder or disc, called a "record". To recreate the sound, the surface is similarly rotated while a playback stylus traces the groove and is therefore vibrated by it, very faintly reproducing the recorded sound. In early acoustic phonographs, the stylus vibrated a diaphragm which produced sound waves which were coupled to the open air through a flaring horn, or directly to the listener's ears through stethoscope-type earphones. In later electric phonographs (also known as record players (since 1940s) or, most recently, turntables), the motions of the stylus are converted into an analogous electrical signal by a transducer called a pickup or cartridge, electronically amplified, then converted back into sound by a loudspeaker.

Tonearm (musician)

Tonearm is the stage name of Russian born, New York based musician Ilia Bis (Илья Бис). Bis grew up in Moscow and later moved to the United States to study mathematics and computer sound analysis. After doing graduate work at the University of Chicago, he decided to pursue music full-time.

Tonearm usually performs as a one-man band, combining electronic processing with singing and playing an electric guitar. He also collaborates closely with video artists, and all shows are accompanied by tightly scripted live video projections. Despite not having released a full record to date, Tonearm has received considerable critical attention both in the United States and in his native Russia for his strong songwriting and original production. In 2006, he was reportedly working on a debut album.

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