The Consulate General is a new project led by Taiwanese-American Alexander Chen of Boy in Static, currently a resident of Gothenburg, Sweden. A multi-instrumentalist who often performs live on viola, Chen´s first recordings were released in 2004 by Markus Acher of The Notwist, who later invited him on tour opening for 13 & God. Chen has also toured with Freezepop and Lymbyc Systym, and collaborated with artists such as Her Space Holiday, Helios, and Montag. The debut album Person Number was formed from a set of songs written and recorded after relocating to Gothenburg, Sweden. A duet with Antoine Bedard (Montag), "What Time Is It Now," opens the album with detached yet emotional male harmonies. Multi-instrumentalists John Chao (of Misha) and Ryan Fritch (of Sole & The Skyrider Band) lend a hand on everything from marimba to double bass. Simon Scott (of Slowdive) joins near the end on "17th street," dressing 1940's crooner melodies with modern ambient electronics. Person Number is due for release in April 2010. Chen has also shown interactive and sound art in various galleries around the world, including 2002's Sonata for the Unaware, a piece which generated music from video footage of Philadelphia subway commuters, "finding beauty in maddening situations" (The Guardian, Jan 2004).