AMP: Artists' Meeting Place and Resource Collective

http://www.noncredo.com

Kira Vollman is a composer/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist (bass guitar, clarinets, keyboards and other assorted devices), and supplies the lyrics for Non Credo’s evocative textures. Non Credo is the musical collaboration between Joseph Berardi and Kira Vollman. Non Credo's live performances mix song with improvisation. Their improvs usually take the form of “instant compositions”, rather than freeform ramblings. The culmination of this can be heard on their soon to be released third CD, IMPROPERA...an improvised, improper, impoverished...imp-opera. Non Credo has performed in galleries, theatres, museums and rock clubs, and have played New Music festivals in USA, Canada (Musique Actuelle) and Europe.

Aside from Non Credo, Vollman has been involved in several musical projects and bands in her hometown of Los Angeles. She was a member of the improvising chamber ensemble Fat And Fucked Up, she toured and recorded with Kid Congo Powers (ex-Cramps) band Congo Norvell, performed frequently with musical scavengers Stay Home, recorded with slop-rockers Thelonious Monster and sang with micro-tonalist Kraig Grady. She is active in the LA improv scene, having worked with violinist Jeff Gauthier and her vocal duet with Kaoru, Punishment Cookies. She has written music for film and dance pieces.

Kira is also a visual artist, working in paint, mixed media and photography. She is working on a series of sound sculptures and a project involving musical accompaniment to her drawings and illustrations. Her early paintings graced the walls of "Fuzzyland", the groundbreaking neo-lounge club run by the late-great Jac Zinder. Currently her work can be found in private collections and galleries across the country.

Vollman is always looking to explore new musical and visual art territories and collaborations.