Making Music From Nothing

Matthew Herbert is as much a social activist as a musician; a composer and storyteller who translates his worldview into electronic music built from the sounds of the physical world. From the complete life cycle of a pig to a horse’s skeleton, a crowded nightclub to a tank driving over a meal prepared for Tony Blair, his sonic narratives disrupt the status quo and spotlight pressing global issues across more than 30 albums, scores for Oscar-winning films, and performances at the Sydney Opera House and Hollywood Bowl. His forthcoming work, theukhasmorefoodbanksthanbranchesofmcdonalds.com, makes its North American debut at this year’s MUTEK Festival.

In this masterclass, Herbert turns the question back to basics: if the barriers to making music have never been lower, why does so much of it sound the same? As software companies make it increasingly easy to build from what already exists, and AI reduces composition to a prompt, Herbert charts the opposite route. Using simple compositional tools and your own imagination, he will guide participants in crafting an original piece of music entirely from scratch.

Please bring note-taking materials and a laptop or device for documentation. No prior experience or technical knowledge is required.

Please note that this activity takes place off-site at DASA: 65 Rue Ontario O, Montréal. The activity is in English only, without live transcription nor translation.

Limited capacity — RSVP via the MUTEK Forum app, registrations open August 13. Extra spots available 15 min before, first come first served.

Please note: This activity will be in English only, without live transcription nor translation. During the event, no interpreter for the Deaf will be present.