MARK WASTELL // THE SEEN

Mark Wastell metamorphic electro-acoustic ensemble, The Seen, resurrects for this concert at Cafe OTO, its first at the venue since 2018. The group has been active since 2003, and features a different line-up for each performance, with participants selected from across the fields of free improvisation and experimental musics. Performances are generally improvised, although Wastell often provides some instruction to musicians or sub-groups of musicians within the larger ensemble prior to performance.

Rather than acting as a traditional composer or rigid bandleader, Wastell operates as an instigator and conceptual curator for the group. Under his guidance, The Seen has grown into a vital platform for exploring the intersection of acoustic instrumentation, low-fi electronics, and avant-garde soundscapes within the British and international experimental music scene. More than 175 participants have performed with The Seen.

The Seen: Not necessarily quiet music by Michael Rosenstein https://www.pointofdeparture.org/PoD66/PoD66TheSeen.html

THE SEEN

Marjolaine Charbin / piano + préparations Julia Brussel / violin + electronics Francis Comyn / gongs + metal percussion Phil Durrant / amplified objects + electronics Paul Khimasia Morgan / amplified acoustic guitar body + electronics Cath Roberts / electronics Bill Thompson / table top guitar + electronics Zheng Hao / electronics Matt Cargill / electronics Mark Wastell / drums, leader