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- Interviews
Sound Spotlight: Electroacoustics from Laura Agnusdei
In this issue, we dive into the music of Laura Agnusdei, an Italian saxophonist and electroacoustic composer. A graduate of the Conservatory of Bologna with a journey through electronic music in The Netherlands, Laura merges classical training with experimental sounds.
She discusses “Goro” her latest EP inspired by graphic novels, her diverse musical influences, and her approach to film scoring. Laura also sheds light on the challenges facing independent artists and her balance of solo and collaborative work.
Get ready to discover Laura Agnusdei’s unique musical landscape, where tradition meets innovation, and personal expression converges with a broader sonic exploration.
Introduce Yourself
Laura Agnusdei: I am Laura Agnusdei, an Italian musician specializing in the tenor saxophone, and a composer and improviser of electroacoustic music.
Musical Roots and Journey into Electro-Acoustic Music
Laura Agnusdei: My musical journey began at the Conservatory of Bologna, my hometown, where I studied classical saxophone. My interest in experimental music sparked in my late teens, attending festivals like Angelica and Netmage. Collaborating with friends proficient in electronic instruments further piqued my curiosity. After my graduation, I moved to The Netherlands to study electronic music at the Institute of Sonology in Den Haag. Those three years were transformative, solidifying my identity as an artist and deepening my compositional approach.
The Concept Behind "Goro"
Laura Agnusdei: Thank you! “GORO” was commissioned by Maple Death Records and Canicola Edizioni, inspired by Pastoraccia’s graphic novel ‘Quasi Nessuno Ha Riso Ad Alta Voce’. It began as a performance piece and sound installation. The story, set near the Po River, influenced the music’s eerie and unresolved themes. Side A features songs for an imaginary queer club from the novel, while Side B’s “Pontelagoscuro” evokes a De Chirico-like suspension between indoor and outdoor sounds.
Artwork for "Goro"
Laura Agnusdei: The artwork, created by Pastoraccia, combines a graphic novel detail with a photo representing the story’s setting. It also served as the poster for GORO’s debut as a live performance and audio-video installation.
Filmic Elements in Music
Laura Agnusdei: I mainly work with live-scoring for silent and experimental films, focusing on creating a dialogue between sound and image. This approach requires a balance between mimetic and emotional music. A notable composition of mine is the soundtrack for the Dutch animation “FUGA”
Challenges Faced by Independent Artists
Laura Agnusdei: The biggest challenge today is the difficulty in making a living from music. Fewer venues for experimental music and the ephemeral nature of social media make audience building tough. However, strengthening our communities and sharing opportunities can counteract these challenges, keeping music as a space for utopia and freedom.
Role of Language in Creative Process
Laura Agnusdei: Although I primarily compose instrumental music, I have recently explored using my voice and spoken word. While I am not bilingual, English offers simplicity and suitability for electronic pop. Language in my work adds context and layers of meaning, as seen in my site-specific work “Ubi Consistam” for Bologna.
Collaborative vs. Individual Music Creation
Laura Agnusdei: I enjoy both collaborative and solo projects. My solo work allows for precise implementation of ideas, but I also engage in various collective endeavors, like my duo with Daniele Fabris and an ensemble for live-scoring silent movies.
Personal Reflection in Music
Laura Agnusdei: My inspiration varies with each project. The most personal aspect of my music is my saxophone playing, which I feel is a direct reflection of myself.
Dream Collaboration
Laura Agnusdei: I am currently fascinated by African Head Charge and would love the opportunity to collaborate with them.
Upcoming Plans for 2023
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