BeatRoute Magazine ON Edition - March 2020

03.20YYZAGENDA
Sound of Data Symposium
makes waves in Toronto’s
experimental music
community
There’s no question that Toronto is
abundant with musicians and producers,
from clubs and nightlife to local artists
releasing work. Yet when it comes to
getting started, resources can seem few
and far between. Enter the Sound of Data
Symposium at Ryerson University.
Gathering a handful of the finest minds in
electronic, analog, and experimental music
for a full day of workshops, the event is
aimed at lowering the barrier of entry
for aspiring music producers, while also
exploring data, visuals and sounds.
The Symposium will present various
modules on music synthesis including
“data sonification” with the visualization
software TouchDesigner, made by
Toronto-based company Derivative. The
sessions are designed as introductions on
specialized aspects of making electronic
music, and are accessible for all skill levels.
“Visuals play a huge part in elevating the
experience of performance,” says Sofie
Mikhaylova, also known by her DJ moniker
Sonja. She is the event facilitator and the
busy founder of Biblioteka Records, a local
electronic and experimental label.
An expert herself when it comes to
analog synthesis, Mikhaylova says,
“People are realizing that, especially in
electronic music, it is really boring to just
sit and watch someone DJ or play their
instrument. When you’re an electronic
performer, there’s not a whole lot of
movement involved in that.”
John Shiga, a Ryerson Professional
Communications professor, explains
the event is a part of Ryerson’s overall
strategy of creating spaces for artists
beyond the classroom. He is excited for
this collaboration and the people it will
bring together, including the rich body of
expertise on show. The presenters include
Karl Skene, well known in Toronto’s club
community for his incredible interactive
visuals that pull in elements of audio,
video and 3D geometry, often triggered
by sensors; and Tom Auger, CTO of
digital agency Art & Science, who will
demonstrate data sonification with an
interactive art installation named the
Orpheum.
“People want to touch things,” Mikhaylova
says, adding that the Symposium is meant
to be interactive, inexpensive and focused
on the powerful potentials of musical
technology. It’s for audio nerds who want
to meet a lively community outside of
parties and shows.
Ryerson Music Den coordinator Cormac
McGee says that it’s as simple as providing
a spot for these unique communities
to gather, as price can be a barrier for
organizers and attendees of events of this
kind. He explains, “It’s all about helping
people create sustainable careers in
music. Collaborations often come up. What
we try to do is offer a place and program
where people can build and grow.”
Mikhaylova says, “Nobody’s just an artist
anymore. Everyone does their own video,
their own marketing, things crossover very
easily. I feel this event is a really great way
to unite these things.”
And many people seem to agree, as the
Sound of Data Symposium is sold out. Be
sure to follow Biblioteka for highlights from
the event and to keep informed on future
workshops.
Sound of Data Symposium // Sat, Mar. 14
biblioteka.world
By Aurora Zboch
DEBUT ALBUM
OUT MARCH 27TH, 2020
FLEMISHEYE.COM
MARCH 2020 BEATROUTE 35