- Portishead’s Adrian Utley and Grammy Award-winning Hans Martin Buff lead groundbreaking spatial audio performances at Spitalfield’s Christ Church
- In a world-first, Flow will be livestreamed to MIT’s Spatial Sound Lab in Boston, Massachusetts
Bristol – MyWorld, in partnership with the Immersive Audio Network, will bring a showcase of spatial audio performances from leading music artists connected to the West of England to SXSW London, highlighting the region’s growing reputation for creative innovation in spatial music and immersive audio technologies.
The showcase, curated by Crack Magazine and MyWorld, will feature four artists and musicians with ties to Bristol, Bath, and the wider West of England, including Adrian Utley, guitarist and sonic architect for Portishead, who will present Flow, a 360° spatial composition created with Flow’s producer, Grammy Award-winning engineer Hans-Martin Buff, recorded at the world-renowned Real World Studios in Wiltshire. Speaking about the project, Adrian commented, “I think creating Flow has changed how I feel about making music.”
Flow will also be livestreamed to MIT’s Spatial Sound Lab in Boston, in a world-first immersive audio experience for collective listening. The livestream will explore the possibilities of spatial audio reproduction, transmitting channels from a d&b Soundscape system in London to a matching d&b Soundscape at MIT, recreating the presentation in real-time.
Taking place as part of SXSW London’s program exploring the future of music, media and technology, the event will demonstrate how artists are using spatial audio to create more immersive listening experiences and push the boundaries of live performance.
The showcase will also feature Charlie Hooper-Williams, pianist and developer, who will present his vividly beautiful piano music, using his custom software system to drive dynamic lighting responses for each piece. Emika, Immersive Audio Network’s sound artist-in-residence and Bath Spa University graduate, will perform a solo spatial piano piece. A pioneer in spatial music, Emika has been praised by artists including Thom Yorke and The Weeknd. Finally, Sega Bodega will present an immersive set merging electronic music with visual storytelling and intimate live performance design.
MyWorld, a £70M creative technology R&D programme focused on the future of creative production, distribution and experience, supported the establishment of the Immersive Audio Network to support collaboration between musicians, producers, technologists, and researchers working in spatial sound.
“The West of England has an incredible history of musical experimentation and collaboration,” said Dr Ruth Farrar, Founder of Immersive Audio Network from Bath Spa University. “The most exciting development right now is artists creating spatial music that is immersive from the outset helping place the listener ‘inside’ the music rather than just retrofitting stereo tracks. Immersive audio isn't a mixing process, it's a new creative language rethinking the experience entirely. SXSW London gives spatial music artists the opportunity to showcase their trailblazing work on an international stage.”
The showcase reflects growing momentum around immersive audio in the region, building on longstanding strengths in music, film, technology and creative production across Bristol, Bath and the wider West of England.
Mark Leaver, Partnerships & Investment at MyWorld said, “The West of England is home to outstanding creative and technical talent, and support for initiatives like the Immersive Audio Network is at the heart of what the MyWorld programme is delivering for the region. We are creating opportunities for experimentation, collaboration, and innovation that connect artists, researchers, and industry. Bringing this regional hub of creativity to SXSW London is a clear proof point that the West of England’s investment in immersive creative technology is generating internationally visible cultural work.”
The showcase takes place at Christ Church, Spitalfields on June 2nd from 7pm – 10:30pm. Further information can be found on the SXSW London website: https://www.sxswlondon.com/session/crack-magazine-829a5de5
For more information about MyWorld go to https://www.myworld-creates.com/ and for the Immersive Audio Network, go to https://www.immersiveaudionetwork.com/.
Photo Credit: York Tillyer
Support USITT
For many 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations, USITT included, donations are a lifeline. We are able to continue to expand our online offerings to our Members and to our industry thanks to Membership dollars and the generosity of our donors.