Sound and evolution

NMF created their unique soundscapes using a variety of self-made instruments, combined with electronics, effects, and environmental field recordings. Over its 17-year existence, the collective underwent a major transformation. What started as a musical group gradually integrated video, dance, sound installations, and performance art, resulting in complex audiovisual happenings.

Line-up and collaborations

The collective’s line-up shifted naturally over the years to match its artistic growth:

• 1993: Greg Jacobs joined the group, and sound engineer Eric Faes became a regular member (until 1998).
• 1996: Timo van Luijk took a step back to focus on personal music projects, while Marc Wroblewski joined the permanent line-up.

From this point on, Marc Wroblewski and Geert Feytons formed the core of NMF, designing and creating its signature sound installations. Depending on the project, NMF collaborated with a wide network of guest artists:

• Video & Visuals: Conceived and realized by Geert Feytons, focusing on surreal imagery and the concrete visualization of sound.
• Performance & Dance: Led primarily by Ciro Carcatella, Stella Spitaleri and Vilbjorg Broch.
• Musical Contributors: Regular guests included Greg Jacobs, Timo van Luijk, Bryan Seating, Luc van Lieshout, Michael Prime and Clive Graham.
• Special Project Guests: Mina Brands, Laura Maes, Jacques Brodier, Hans van Koolwijk, Daniel Denis, and others.

Instruments and visual art

Improvised music – mostly played on instruments built from cords, recycled metal, glass, wood, stones, and liquids – remained the foundation of NMF. Over time, the visual aspect became highly sophisticated. The group’s video work was driven by a deep desire to give sound a physical presence, creating images in which audio literally manifested itself. In their final years, Geert and Marc focused intensely on pure audiovisual installations, such as Naos.

Projects, discography and touring

NMF left behind a rich artistic legacy:

Releases: Published around 20 titles (CDs, 7″, 10″) on various international record labels. (See Discography)

Audiovisual Projects: Created 10 major multimedia installations and projects. (See Projects)

Live Performances: Toured extensively throughout Europe in various configurations over their final decade. (See Performances)

Dance Soundtracks: Composed numerous soundtracks for Thierry Smits’ Compagnie Thor between 1995 and 2003, including Cyberchrist, Soirée Dansante, Corps(e), and Pin-Up.

Legacy and archives

Following the passing of co-founder Geert Feytons in 2006, the remaining members Marc Wroblewski, Timo van Luijk and Greg Jacobs disbanded the collective to form a new group called Onde. Simultaneously, they launched the record label and concert organization Metaphon, which is currently run by Timo van Luijk alongside his other label, La Scie Dorée. The active years of NMF are well-documented and will be disclosed in successive phases moving forward.