Macrofocus | Electronic Press Kit
Biography:
Definition – Macro: Large in scope or scale; Focus: maximum distinctness of clarity; standing back and absorbing the entirety of life experiences.
Beyond these defining characteristics is a driving atmospheric pop/rock band based in Oregon that has toured the West Coast over the past decade. Macrofocus is led by guitarist/vocalist/cellist Chris Rorrer and drummer Kevin Van Walk.
Van Walk’s penchant for instinctual, improvisatory music balances Rorrer’s more structured and demanding compositions, resulting in familiar, dangerous, and sonically exploratory music. Singer-songwriter narratives meet melodic and atmospheric textures. In a world of increasing distraction, it’s time to open heart, soul, and ears to focus… Macrofocus.
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Stopping Time:
Saitama:
To Err is Human:
Shin-Sugita (Live):
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Tour History:
Macrofocus has toured extensively on the West Coast. Members of Macrofocus have performed and filled venues such as The Colburn School, Carpenter Performing Arts Center, University of California, Irvine, Oregon State University, The Broadwater Theater, Barnsdall Art Park, AURA Nightclub, The Viper Room, The MINT, Hotel Cafe, Bar Lubitsch, and many more.
Discography:
Press/ Accolades:
Article with Macrofocus on Bold Journey Los Angeles’ Perspectives on Staying Creative
- “This local act is able to create soundscapes that spur emotional response in a way that few ambient acts can. Very powerful and thought-provoking music.” – Vintersea (formerly Asterion) via Bandcamp.com
- “[Macrofocus’] goal is to enrich lives with memorable energetic performances that uplift, inspire, and challenge the audience to think big and show up to life with renewed strength and compassion…The two have never taken each other’s friendship, support, almost telepathic musical intuition, or open-mindedness for granted, especially in an industry and world where dynamic relationships centered around trust and a shared faith can be very difficult to come by. – Interview with Bold Journey’s Perspectives on Staying Creative
- “When on stage, I don’t want to waste a second of my audience’s time – I aim to make the most engaging experience possible, directly communicating what is in my heart through my instrument and into sound waves.” – from Chris Rorrer’s interview with Bold Journey
Chris and Kevin played extensively with the jazz-adjacent exploratory music group The Van Meyers:
- “What then can someone expect at a Van Meyers [or Macrofocus] show? As with life, anything is possible. However, they’ve earned their chops with a group resume that encompasses symphony orchestras to mainstream pop. You’ll just have to trust them.” – Alicia James, The Corvallis Advocate
Biography (Expanded):
Definition – Macro: Large in scope or scale; Focus: maximum distinctness of clarity; standing back and absorbing the entirety of life experiences.
Beyond these defining characteristics is a band experimenting with sound, emotion, and visceral sonics. Macrofocus is led by guitarist/vocalist/cellist Chris Rorrer, drummer Kevin Van Walk, and occasionally guest artists. The band, however, is not defined by typical instrumental personnel assignments; the group thrives off of the minimalism of the duo format, intensifying the expressive intimacy of raw performance.
Macrofocus was formed in late 2013 after Rorrer’s power trio Lacota dissolved. Following a teaching stint in Japan, Rorrer returned stateside with a portfolio of song sketches he had accumulated and began seeking musical compatriots to assist in developing his new compositions. He connected with longtime friend and percussionist Kevin Van Walk; the duo had performed previously in Van Walk’s experimental jazz group The Van Meyers. Van Walk’s penchant for creating instinctual, improvisatory music provides a balancing act to Rorrer’s more structured and demanding compositions resulting in music both familiar, dangerous, and sonically exploratory; singer/songwriter narratives meeting prog rock structures with heavy rock intensity. A series of short tours and local performances solidified the duo’s increasingly telepathic musical intuition. The band took a hiatus as Rorrer completed his Master’s Degree in Cello Performance at California State University, Long Beach in 2020. Rorrer has returned, sending Macrofocus into new avenues of creative development.
In a world of increasing distraction, it’s time to open heart, soul, and ears to focus… Macrofocus.
Contact Information:
Booking and all inquiries can be made by contacting Chris Rorrer at chris.p.rorrer (at) gmail.com, or by using the Contact page of our website.
P.S. – Feel free to keep in touch with us on our socials!
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