Sound Journeys: Switzerland - selected by Nick Luscombe
Sound Journeys: Switzerland focuses on artists engaged in the Swiss experimental music scene. It has been compiled by producer, broadcaster and Nonclassical A&R Nick Luscombe following a visit to the country and research into the current activities of Swiss academic music.
“The aim of this compilation is to highlight the depth of creative approaches by experimental music artists and communities across Switzerland - from solo percussion and vocal based pieces, to ensemble compositions and electronics, ambient metal and data driven work. This is just the tip of a very substantial iceberg of incredible and innovative music being made throughout Switzerland today.” – Nick Luscombe
The second of a series of three digital EPs, preceding the Autumn release of Sound Journeys: Switzerland CD.
Volume 2 features the work of Tobias Meier, Franziska Baumann and Sum of R.
Meet the artists
Tobias Meier
Tobias Meier is a musician and artist based in Zurich, Switzerland. He regularly performs internationally – highlights have included performing with Silvan Jeger as "Cold Voodoo" and with singer Dalia Donadio or as Through States of Matter in various settings. Tobias has written and performed various works for solo saxophone, as well as composed music for contemporary music ensembles and performed various scenic sound-performances. As a composer and improviser, he is interested in architectural gestures: the scenarios and methods of design, the setting of tonal coordinates, along which, the music gradually develops. For him, this process entails an irreducible experience that is to be re-engaged with again and again.
Franziska Baumann
Franziska Baumann is a singer, improviser, composer and sound artist and works mainly with voice, gestural live electronics and sampled sounds. As a vocal artist and vocal performer, she draws on archaic, experimental and stylistically wide-ranging expression of the human voice. In her research for new sounds, vocal techniques and vocal forms of expression, she creates original, touching, singular concert experiences beyond any stylistic concept. In the border area of an unfathomable vocal universe she unites traditions of different styles and transcends them into the present.
Sum of R
Sum Of R consists of artists Jukka Rämänen (Dark Buddha Rising, Hexvessel, Waste Of Space Orchestra) and Reto Mäder (Ural Umbo, RM74). Sum Of R was initially created in 2008 by Reto Mäder and has been through several states of metamorphosis from atmospheric doom into ritualistic drone rock into dark ambient and experimental music. Their slow moving instrumental music is supported by a subliminal, unconventional metal atmosphere that leaves its listeners immerses in darkness, light and its reflections.
Related
Listen to Nick Luscombe discuss practice and influences with the artists featured on EP1 in New Ratio.
