Astro + Prism - Nicola Zena and Kelly Anne Lumley infiltrated the underground music scene in Newcastle upon Tyne, England in the early 90's. An integral part of this rising scene, their sound permeated warehouse parties and underground techno / electro clubs. The sisters formed their DJ partnership (then called Salad Butty) and began promoting and performing at club nights around the city.
Astro + Prism grew from strength to strength providing regular cafe events, club nights and large scale council commissioned cross arts events. As well as performing extensively in the city for the last 10 years, the sister team have provided a platform for rising talent showcasing photographers, musicians and DJs, spray can artists, theatrical performers and dancers.
Kelly and Nicola have played alongside many well respected such as:
Laurent Garnier,
Speedy J,
Andrew Weatherall, Oris Jay and To Rococco Rot, to name a few. Their defined sound encompasses electro-techno / break beat / fat bass / booty - transcending boundaries of electronic music.
Astro + Prism personalized their DJ approach over the years pressing original vocal and atmospheric tracks to CD for use as dj tools and incorporating decks and effects in to their DJ set.
In 2000
Astro + Prism formed a healthy collaboration with local string players (A String Thing): Gayle Hutchinson on Viola and Laura Reed on Cello. This innovative electro acoustic outfit utilizes film, sometimes dance, for an exciting multi media performance. This show was recently performed in June 2003 at
"The Refrigerator" event at the Tyneside Cinema, Newcastle. This is a pilot project for a national tour in 2004 which will be produced by Forma arts organization www.forma.org.uk.
As sonic artist
Astro + Prisms' sound can be found in collaborations with film makers, animators, choreographers, theatre directors, and gallery events. Nicola's sound design on the short film Closer by Tina Gharavi, won the Czech Radio Award in 2002 for best documentary soundtrack. Over the years, they have been involved in numerous radio stations and live web projects.
The sisters also teach educational workshops relating to DJ and Music Technology throughout the North East of England. In 1997, Kelly and Nicola provided a series of lectures at Northumbria University on Dance Music culture.
In September 2001,
Astro + Prism traveled to Groningen, Netherlands to take part in seminars and perform at the Blue Moon project alongside Dutch and German VJ's. This was an architecture, urban regeneration and digital arts project organized by Inbred.tv (Nicola and Kelly were featured on a Look North Show within the website).
Astro + Prism were also featured on BBC Radio 3's Mixing It show in September 2003 as well as February and June 2004.
Kelly (prism) has been exploring visual media: photography, film and VJing. Recently, part of a team of documentary photographers working with a community photography organization and with other arts groups a video artist. Prism provides some of the film work for
Astro + Prisms' live shows.
Nicola (Astro) is employed as a Consultant / Digital Artist for Durham City Arts. This post involves training residents in ex-coal mining villages how to use technology creatively - specializing in DJing and Music Technology. Here she helps build a healthy creative community establishing cross arts projects and collaboration in the area.
Astro + Prism are currently writing electro / break beat / two step / tracks for release. Having secured Forma as producer for their electro-acoustic multi-media outfit, they are now looking for a booking agent to take them into the international DJ/Producer arena as well as publishers interested in releasing their music. With a strong vision and a passion for their work - their sound must travel.
