His orchestra consists of eight vintage Singer sewing machines and a stark lighting system. Messier uses the wheel of each sewing machine as a potentiometer, which is similar to the knob controlling the volume on audio equipment. The conductor controls the sewing machines manually, and there is also computer input producing sounds. He conducts the eight machines together; producing a sound described as halfway between cacophony and melody. His music is referred to as combining old technology with new technology.