Martin Philadelphy | Jane Le Croy & Bradford Reed | Jena Jang & Si Paton

​

Jena Jang (KR/CZ)
Jena Jang is an extended vocalist and experimental noise improviser from South Korea, currently based in Prague, Czechia. They focus on power electronics and harsh noise, using vocal improvisation, extreme screaming, and high-pitched frequencies from their DIY synth modular, and exploring somatic singing techniques. Their vocal style is inspired by chanting, yogic breathing practice, throat singing, and Korean traditional singing techniques from Pansori, Samulnori, and Shamanic rituals, along with vocal warm-ups. Jena incorporates movements like head banging, crawling, performing crying scenes, and moving their hair in the air as visual performances to release stress. Their work aims to transform negative memories and old traumas into feelings of lightness, turning negativity into positive energy. Their practice centres on transforming energy through time and space, pushing the boundaries of sound and healing to offer an authentic and transformative experience.

They have been performing live improvisational music since August 2020, collaborating with various artists and participating in festivals and events worldwide. Notable performances include a collaborative project with bela (KR/DE; Shape+ artist 2023) and mvd0ae (MX/CZ) during a residency at MeetFactory in Prague, and supporting Gabber Modus Operandi (ID) and Prison Religion (US) at the Shelter Tallinn Presents event. Additionally, they performed vocal improvisation for a trio set with Udasi (FI) and Mia Zabelka (AT) at the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, live-streamed by Contingent Snapshot. They participated in the Prague Biennale (CZ) with jaw harp player Aldana Duoraan (CZ). Jena has appeared at festivals such as Druskomanija (LT), Biela Noc (SK), Denoize (KR), ARé Performing Art (AM), and Saund Festival 2024 in Suuresadama, Hiiumaa (EE).

Live videos

https://www.youtube.com/@jenajang/videos

Instagram

https://www.instagram.com/xena_xang/

Si Paton (UK)

Si Paton performs solo prepared bass guitar. Armed with multiple distortion pedals, screwdrivers, drumsticks, pencils, and anything that the other bands left onstage, he has crafted compelling performances that consist of virtuosic free jazz one minute, dense walls of harsh noise the next, and utilising performance art the next, dealing with the kind of chaotic energy that Andy Kaufman made famous. He has been known to play whilst climbing on tables, engage in staring contests with unsuspecting audience members, recite wrestling promos, and generally disregarding his own safety.
His influence of free jazz, harsh noise, metal, hardcore punk, 20th century classical, and Fluxus performance practices are very much on display. The skill is how he utilises his different influences within the set, combining them in very unpredictable ways. For instance, he could invite audiences in by playing as sparse as possible, before blowing it away with an intense wall-of-sound, blasting feedback with blood coming from his fingers. He has opened for like-minded individuals including the likes of Ryosuke Kiyasu, Dushume and Rhodri Davies. Whilst never quite completely fitting neatly onto any lineup he is a part of, he has nethertheless impressed audiences with his musical risk taking, off-beat showmanship, and sheer intensity.

Si Paton is a composer, improviser, bassist, academic, event curator, noisemaker, smart mouth and general antagonist. He has completed his PhD at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and previously studied electric bass and jazz composition at University of West London. As an improviser, he has played with many well known figures, and was previously the bassist and bandleader in the math-jazz group Selectric. His solo performances, the trans-Atlantic no wave duo Phame, as well as a duo with drummer Rob Nettleship are currently his most prominent projects. He was previously the founder and curator of Thinking/Not Thinking Fest, and currently runs the concert series Don’t Mind Control.

https://www.instagram.com/si_paton/

https://scpaton.bandcamp.com/