Executive Overview In contemporary music, few artists manage to occupy the elusive space between classical discipline and avant-garde exploration quite like Gaspar Claus. The Paris-based cellist, composer, and producer has spent the past decade quietly establishing himself as a ubiquitous figure across genres, appearing on critically acclaimed releases and avant-garde projects before casual listeners have … Read more
Executive Overview "The only good system is a sound system." Though uncredited, this timeless maxim resonates with the physical force of a heavy bassline rolling through a towering wall of custom-built loudspeakers. For nearly a century, the history of reggae, dub, and sound system culture has been defined by a singular, unyielding momentum. Originating in … Read more
Executive Overview In an era dominated by hyper-compressed pop singles and algorithmic playlists designed for maximum passive consumption, independent music criticism and curation remain vital art forms. This week, the editorial team has unveiled an unusually expansive, extra-long mixtape that serves as a masterclass in modern sonic exploration. Bridging the gap between the ancient and … Read more
Executive Overview In the crowded landscape of virtual instruments and software samplers, standing out requires more than just high-fidelity source audio—it demands a reinvention of workflow. Enter MNDALA 2, the flagship, free-to-download sound engine from MNTRA Instruments. While software samplers like Native Instruments’ Kontakt have long dominated the industry standard for sample playback, MNDALA 2 … Read more
Executive Overview For centuries, the classical song recital has adhered to a rigid, unyielding etiquette. Patrons arrive in hushed reverence, leafing through programmes detailing a curated sequence of German Lieder or English art songs, and sit in polite, passive silence from the first chord of the opening piano prelude to the final, decaying reverberation of … Read more
Executive Overview In the evolving landscape of electronic music performance and live multimedia art, the boundaries separating auditory and visual mediums continue to dissolve. Modern audiences increasingly expect live shows to offer more than just a sonic journey—they demand synaesthetic spectacles where sound and sight operate as a singular, cohesive organism. Achieving this tight integration … Read more
"Sun is in the sky, oh why, oh why, Would I wanna be anywhere else?" — Lily Allen, LDN (2006) Few urban landscapes have shaped the trajectory of modern popular music as profoundly or as persistently as London. For generations, the British capital has functioned as a vast, pressurized musical petri dish. Here, disparate cultural … Read more
Executive Overview In the modern landscape of music production, efficiency is often heralded as the ultimate virtue. Producers are encouraged to walk into the studio armed with a clear vision, a structured workflow, and a definitive deadline. While this methodical approach consistently yields polished, commercially viable tracks that fit neatly into algorithmic playlists, it frequently … Read more
Executive Overview "The only good system is a sound system." Though the author of this aphorism remains lost to the mists of oral history, the phrase rings as loud and true as a physical bassline rattling through a towering wall of custom-built loudspeakers. The story of reggae, dub, and sound system culture is, at its … Read more
Executive Overview Tonight, on the 17th of September, 2026, the cultural heart of the Midlands beats with renewed vigor as the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra (CBSO) steps onto the stage at Symphony Hall. Under the visionary leadership of Music Director Kazuki Yamada, the orchestra officially launches its highly anticipated 2026/2027 concert season. Marking the … Read more
