Unsound Adelaide returns in 2016 for the fourth edition of what has become an important showcase of avant-garde music.
This year’s programme promises to be one of their biggest yet with the inclusion of Italian experimental, electronic producer Alessandro Cortini, perhaps best known for his work with Nine Inch Nails.
A talented and accomplished performer and composer in his own right, Alessandro served as keyboardist for Trent Reznor’s band – both in the studio and on tour – from 2004-08, and again from to 2013 to the present.
In addition to his work with NIN, collaborating with artists such as Puscifer and Ladytron, and releasing multiple albums with his other bands like Modwheelmod and SONOIO, Alessandro has also produced various records under his own name, most notably ‘Sonno’.
Alessandro will perform selections from ‘Sonno’ and another solo album, ‘Risveglio’, as part of Unsound Adelaide. The music will be accompanied by mind-bending visuals from artist Sean Curtis Patrick.
On his website, Sean says the performance had a visceral impact on the audience when it premiered in 2014 at the Brooklyn Electronic Music Festival. “I was told by people at the concert that the imagery made them feel like they were watching a film with a subtle narrative about international espionage and secrets with an incredibly textural and immense soundtrack,” he says.
Ahead of his performance at Unsound Adelaide, Alessandro chats about his music and working with Trent Reznor.
You started as a guitarist, having studied at the Musician's Institute. What inspired your shift into synthesizers and electronic music?
I was searching for interesting sounds. I found that it was much easier to find a spark of creativity with synthesizers and quirky instruments as opposed to the guitar.
What was it like working closely with Trent Reznor who is often called a musical genius?
Working with Trent is always a great experience that tends to push me to search for the best approach, tools, and overall attitude for the music.
Is your solo work different from what you contributed to NIN?It is a variation, although more personal, of the same work ethic I developed with the band.
Where/ how do you begin writing your songs?
Most of the time they start from playing around with an instrument; usually a synthesizer of sorts.
Unsound Adelaide features some great artists; who are you looking forward to seeing?
Kangding Ray, Fennesz, Powell and Lorenzo Senni.
What will your show at Unsound be like visually and aurally?
It will be the A/V presentation of my latest two records: ‘Sonno’ and ‘Risveglio’.
Can you tell us about your performance piece?
It’s a selection of pieces off my two records, ‘Sonno’ and ‘Risveglio’, presented along with the visuals created for the project by the artist Sean Curtis Patrick.
Will you have any spare time while down under? If so, how do you plan on spending it?
Relaxing and reading books. What is your most memorable on-stage experience? Atonal Festival, Berlin 2015.
Favourite and least favourite aspects of world touring?
The same thing – touring!
UPDATE: 24 Feb - Alessandro Cortini has had to cancel his Unsound Adelaide 26 February performance; he'll be replaced by UK outfit Babyfather.
Alessandro Cortini plays Unsound Adelaide, which is part of the Adelaide Festival Of Arts 2016 on 26-27 February at the Thebarton Theatre.
