Silence Is Sexy focuses on the so-called (new) contemporary classical composers that are increasingly gaining popularity in the field of ‘pop music’. They are engaged in the world of classical music but are willing to have electronica trickle through in their work, often resulting in a unique sound.

During the latest edition, we dig deeper and present a number of ‘brand new’ names. The guideline is two German labels that have been a highlight of this movement for years now: Erased Tapes and Denovali Records.

Denovali Records
Denovali Records – also the driving force behind the international Denovali Swingfest – was established in ’05 and considers each release as ‘a coherent piece of art’. The label has a broad musical palette: from improv to drones, indie, dark-jazz to modern composition. Silence Is Sexy focuses on the latter.

Poppy Ackroyd (uk)
Poppy Ackroyd is an English, classically trained violinist/pianist that we mainly know from The Cinematic Orchestra indebted Hidden Orchestra. Ackroyd composes music for radio and film too, and also for contemporary dance. For Ackroyd, the inside of her piano is just as important for the sound as the keys themselves. Her debut ‘Escapement’ has already been described as “The best ‘Quiet Space’ album of 2012.” and as "adorable and becalming - recommended if you like Philip Glass or Steve Reich". AB adds to the list: obligatory fodder for fans of Max Richter, Hauschka and Nils Frahm.

Greg Haines (uk)
Greg Haines is an English, pianist/composer who has been hanging out in Berlin since ’08 and says to be strongly influenced by Gavin Bryars and Philip Glass. Prior to Denovali, he recorded a number of albums, including ‘Digressions’ on which he received assistance from Peter Broderick. He's also a welcome guest in dance and ballet circles, and he feels at home with both Meg Stuart and in the Royal Opera House.

The New York Times recently described his work as: “… dark, both literally and metaphorically, but also exquisitely, wrenchingly, beautiful; a world of its own that draws you ineluctably within.” His new album ‘The Whole’ will be released this year and, on it, the influences of synths and percussion will play a more prominent role.

With the support of