Silence Is Sexy focuses upon contemporary classical composers who have been making a solid name for themselves in the field of 'pop music' over recent years. They move in the world of classical music but don't feel themselves 'too good' to have electronica seep through into their music, often resulting in a unique sound.

AB welcomed the likes of Ludovico Einaudi, Jóhann Jóhannsson and the collaborative project of Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto to previous editions. This latest edition throws a light on two labels who have been the invisible motor behind this movement for years: Berlin's Erased Tapes and England's 130701.

130701 (uk)
130701 is a sub-label of the famous indie label Fat Cat that previously sheltered the likes of Múm and Sigur Rós under their wing. They say that 130701 – quite simply the label's birth date – focuses upon on ‘post-classical’ music. Under the title ‘Transcendentalists European Tour’ they're heading out on the road with an exquisite triple bill.

Hauschka (d)
Behind Hauschka you will find German pianist/composer Volker Bertelmann. Although Bertelmann studied classical piano for 10 years, he found this thing in exploring the possibilities of the 'prepared piano’. His work is inspired by East Asian harmonies, the work of minimalists like Steve Reich, Philip Glass and Michael Nyman and also the French pianist Erik Satie. In AB he will be appearing with percussionist Samuli Kosminen, better known from Múm.

Jóhann Jóhannsson (ic)
Jóhann Jóhannsson – regular visitor to AB - is known as composer for theatre and film. He now has a series of film scores and seven solo albums to his name already, including the much praised ‘Fordlândia’. Jóhannsson's combination of strings, piano, electronica and percussion is seldom equalled. His slowly building, emotional melodies leave few unmoved. That's what you call awe inspiring beauty.

Dustin O'Halloran (us)
American pianist Dustin O'Halloran - who lives in Berlin – has had nothing to complain about in recent years. He wrote a soundtrack for Sofia Coppola, released a few impressive albums via 130701 (‘Lumiere’ and ‘Vorleben’) and he resides in the much acclaimed A Winged Victory For The Sullen, together with Adam Bryanbaum Wiltzie. Dustin will appear with a string quartet for the occasion.

Hauschka - Morgenrot from Jeff Desom on Vimeo.

Johann Johannsson, De Dia y De Noche Escape from Redbird Management on Vimeo.

Dustin O'Halloran - Fragile N.4 directed by Dimitri Galuret from FatCat Records on Vimeo.