Since 1996, German label Raster-Noton has imposed its unique and renowned experimental approach. The label focuses on electronic music minimalism, including the sub-genre Glitch. Their aesthetic is often characterized by a deliberate use of “defect sounds”, resulting from the malfunctioning of electronic devices, the misuse of digital technologies for production or sound processing, and the sample collage of truncated sound and noise.
White Circle’s Installation, Raster-Noton’s 20th anniversary // Photo by Marc Girardot at Halle am Berghain
For the occasion of their 20th anniversary, Raster-Noton presents the ‘White Circle’, an acoustic-architectural space designed as an audiovisual installation. Four artists from the label—Alva Noto (co-founder of RN label), Byetone, Frank Bretschneider (co-founder of RN label), Kangding Ray— were invited to develop and contribute an exclusive multi-channel composition for the occasion. Each composition presents an independent, self- contained concept of the respective artist. Each work is based on the idea of ambient music, a kind of music that makes tangible the acoustic space as well as visual stimulus.
The ‘White Circle’ was exclusively conceptualized for ZKM’s “klangdom”(sound dome), which is made up of multiple speakers distributed throughout the room. By means of the control software “zirkonium”, these speakers can be played, turning sound itself into a sculptural spatial experience. After its first presentation at ZKM in mid-March, the installation will travel to various locations worldwide.
White Circle’s Installation, Raster-Noton’s 20th anniversary // Photo by Marc Girardot at Halle am Berghain
For their Berlin event, Raster-Noton chose the inimitable Berghain to present the White Circle from April 28th to 30th. The unique sound experience shown by the installation within this impressive venue proved once again that we are living in a time of cutting-edge sound research and that electronic music’s boundaries can still be pushed.
Stay tuned for upcoming events featuring the ‘White Circle’: www.raster-noton.net/about-raster-noton
