Henry and Jack Madin both play in Melbourne band The Harpoons, and have both been involved in music their whole lives, playing in bands, and leading performances and singing groups at music festivals. Their Dad, Jon Madin, also makes instruments for kids.
Henry studied Sound Art at RMIT, taking extra classes in industrial design and sculpture, which led him to start creating and exhibiting custom made musical instruments. Jack is a musician, writer and a songwriter, and is also studying to be a primary school teacher.
‘Hundo Instruments is a combination of our love for music, design, and making stuff’ says Henry. Through this new joint project, the brothers have distilled all of their music-making ideas into a series of simple handcrafted instruments, that they hope people will love to use!
The first two instruments from Hundo are the Hundo Basic and the Hundo Marimba. The Basic is a streamlined electronic drum-pad that can plug into any laptop or iPad. The Marimba is a melodic percussion instrument with a clean, rich sound. Both instruments are made by hand locally, using oak and pine carefully selected for its density, texture and colour. ‘We have a distinct focus on utility and ease-of-use, our goal is to make tools that do one thing really well’ says Henry.
Next week Jack and Henry will officially launch Hundo Instruments with an exhibition at Long Division Gallery, Schoolhouse Studios in Collingwood. ‘The show is going to be completely open and interactive, so people can really get a feel for our instruments!’ says Henry. Both The Hundo Basic and the Hundo Marimba will be available to try and buy at their launch – they’re also available to buy online here.
Hundo Instruments launch exhibition
Opening July 7th, 6.00 – 8.00pm
Exhibition runs July 7th – July 28th
Long Division Gallery, Schoolhouse Studios
81 Rupert Street
Collingwood
