MUTEK is a unique festival in North America. Based on various programs joined together to form a trajectory over 5 days, the festival explores the many facets of cutting-edge live electronic music. It provides a forum to exchange about the artistic practice underlying the electronic music scene. This 9th edition has established itself as one of the most diverse and eclectic performance line-ups in the history of the festival. Above and beyond the five days and performances by the best in local and international talent, this year’s line-up contains numerous notables that festival-goers are highly advised not to miss.
The A\VISIONS 1 performance by Mexican electronic composer MURCOF and Italian visual duo XX+XY not only offers a North American premiere performance and an inauguration of MUTEK’s newest venue addition, the Theatre du Nouveau Monde, but it also counts as something of a triumphant homecoming for Fernando Corona, who received his first glimpse of international exposure at the 2002 MUTEK, where he performed only his second show ever! A festival discovery all those years ago, MURCOF has since gone on to win over a large and discerning international audience. He returns to Montreal for a well-earned victory lap in the city that witnessed the beginnings of his global rise.
Though UNDERGROUND RESISTANCE has been in circulation for almost two decades, this year’s MUTEK showcase unbelievably counts as the Canadian premiere for these Interstellar Fugitives. The Detroit collective was first scheduled to appear at the 2006 festival, only to be forced to cancel within 24 hours of their performance. But, this year, “Mad” Mike Banks and company won’t be denied, and Montreal will finally get a taste of what these American legends have in store at the NOCTURNE 1 showcase on May 28th.
Audiences should not miss the A\VISIONS 2 performance by Berlin audio-visual pioneers RECHENZENTRUM, not only because this showcase offers a North American premiere of their latest opus, Silence , but also because the rumour mill has been swirling in recent weeks that this could be the duo’s final North American performance ever. Marc Weiser and Lillevan are expecting to bring their collaborative adventure to an end soon after this showcase.
The A\VISIONS 3 line-up, featuring BEN FROST , TIM HECKER , and CHRISTIAN FENNESZ has shaped up to be the most sought-after showcase of this year’s line-up. This will be an unforgettable experience for those fortunate enough to get tickets in advance. MUTEK has been trying to bring CHRISTIAN FENNESZ to Montreal since its inception, but schedules have never coincided. The closest he’s been to the city in recent years has been the Victoriaville Festival. But, this year, one of the absolute legends of guitar experimentation will finally touch down in Montreal, performing to the enormous visual projections of RECHENZENTRUM ‘s Lillevan no less.
For NOCTURNE 3 , Montreal’s most world-renown turntablist, KID KOALA, has informed local French weekly Voir that he intends to use his Metropolis performance to introduce a brand-new live show. This city has always been privy to Eric San’s live experimentation, and this Friday night he will no doubt premiere an arsenal of vinyl and magic that will take his reputation to new heights.
Swedish performer THE FIELD may have delivered one of 2007’s most critically acclaimed albums, but lately he has been in the news for the troubles he has encountered in trying to bring his new live band to North America. As a result of these difficulties, Montreal’s Saturday night performance at NOCTURNE 4 not only constitutes a North American debut for THE FIELD’s live band, but also the only show the trio will play on the continent. Meanwhile, in the Savoy Lounge, festival-goers will be treated to two more hotly anticipated North American debuts from international acts: QUIET VILLAGE ‘s Silent Movie and KODE 9 & SPACEAPE ‘s Bass Friction .
Of course, we would be remiss not to tell you that Sunday evening’s closing showcase at Parc Jean-Drapeau the MUTEK//PIKNIC 2 which is expected to be one of the festival highlights. It’s worth noting that we have some big surprises up our sleeves for this evening. Maybe something in the vein of a surprise performance!