In a musical world driven by beat drops, algorithmic playlists, and chart-topping hooks, the Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel dares to slow things down, stretch time, and invite you into a world of textured soundscapes and meditative improvisation. Born from the unexpected pairing of two musicians — one wielding the ghostly theremin, the other guiding the soulful lap steel guitar — this duo crafts music that feels equally ancient and futuristic. Their work has drawn attention from platforms like WireIsMusic, which celebrate boundary-pushing artists and sonic experimentation across genres.
Who Are They?
The Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel is the brainchild of Scott Burland (theremin) and Frank Schultz (lap steel guitar). Based in Atlanta, Georgia, they’ve been collaborating since 2006, building a reputation for live performances that are immersive, unpredictable, and deeply emotional. The name is literal — there’s no backing band, no additional electronics beyond the core instruments. Just two players, two sounds, and endless possibilities.
Why Theremin and Lap Steel?
At first glance, these instruments seem to come from opposite planets. The theremin, invented in the 1920s by Léon Theremin, is one of the earliest electronic instruments. It’s played without touch, relying on hand movements within electromagnetic fields to control pitch and volume. The result is a sound often described as ghostly, eerie, or even extraterrestrial.
On the other hand, the lap steel guitar is grounded in Americana and blues traditions. Played flat across the knees and manipulated with a steel bar, it produces fluid slides and mournful tones that evoke both desert horizons and jazz clubs.
When paired, these instruments don’t clash — they merge, creating a sound that feels like the atmosphere itself is breathing.
Improvisation at the Core
One of the most fascinating aspects of the duo is their commitment to free improvisation. Their compositions aren’t written in advance or rehearsed note-for-note. Each performance is an exploration in real time, a dialogue without words. It’s a conversation of frequencies, harmonics, and feeling — sometimes gentle and ambient, other times noisy and unsettling.
“We’re not trying to tell you what to feel,” says Burland. “We’re trying to make space for whatever feeling comes up.”
Listeners often describe their music as cinematic, as if it were the soundtrack to a dream or a memory you can’t quite place.
Not Your Average Live Show
Attending a Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel show is less like a concert and more like a sound immersion. They often perform in non-traditional venues — art galleries, experimental film screenings, planetariums, and sound art festivals. Their set-up is minimal, but the impact is profound. Without lyrics or rhythmic hooks, they rely on atmosphere, tone, and presence to hold your attention.
In some performances, they collaborate with visual artists or modular synth players, further expanding the sonic and sensory palette.
Albums and Releases
Their discography includes several albums, each offering a different slice of their sonic identity:
- What Falls Away (2015): A spacious, contemplative album that feels like drifting through fog.
- Collaborations (2020): Features guest artists and expands their sound through external textures.
- Theremin 100 Compilation: Celebrating the centennial of the theremin with contributions from players worldwide, including Burland.
These records are available on Bandcamp, and while studio albums capture the essence of their work, nothing compares to experiencing their live energy.
Influence and Reception
While still under the radar for mainstream audiences, the duo has earned a cult following in experimental music circles. They’ve played alongside legends like Suzanne Ciani and performed at festivals like Big Ears, SoundNOW, and Electro-Music Fest. Their work has been featured on public radio and praised by critics for its originality and emotional weight.
Final Thoughts: Music for the In-Between
In a world where most music begs for your attention, Duet for Theremin and Lap Steel asks for your stillness. Their art isn’t about performance in the flashy sense — it’s about presence, texture, and tension. It’s what happens when analog electricity meets soulful intent.
Whether you’re a fan of ambient, drone, avant-garde jazz, or just curious about the outer limits of musical expression, this duo offers something rare and necessary: time to breathe, listen, and feel without judgment.