Circle Of Live: Barbican, London
Immersive Audio Visual Experience
In February 2024, Starling Works and Circle Of Live presented a co-production of immersive artistic improvisation at the Barbican, main hall. This multidimensional experience united music, technology, visual arts, scenography, and contemporary dance.
Music was crafted on the night from a dynamic ensemble of artists: JakoJako, an innovative Berlin-based sound artist mastering modular synths; Joep Beving, a celebrated Dutch pianist renowned for emotionally stirring compositions; Laura Misch, a multifaceted London-based saxophonist, vocalist, and genre-fusing producer; and Sebastian Mullaert, revered for his innovative contributions to electronic music and fostering collaborative, improvisational experiences.
All these elements converged simultaneously, complemented by a unique kinetic art installation and light show by Heleen Blanken and Daniel De Bruin, and a captivating contemporary dance performance by Nikita Goile.
Performing Artists: JakoJako, Joep Beving, Laura Misch, Sebastian Mullaert
Dance choreography & performance: Nikita Goile
Stage design: Heleen Blanken
Kinetic Art Light Installation: Heleen Blanken, Daniel De Bruins
Lights Direction and Design: Heleen Blanken, Roeland Schuijren
Creative Direction: Niko Seizov
Music Curation: Niko Seizov, Sebastian Mullaert
Executive Producer: Valentina Palange
Stage Manager: Robert Rea
Stage Assistants: Levana Tse, Bailey Harcourt, Paul M Harcourt & Leo Bonetto
Technical Supervisors: Martin Shaw, David Strange
Front of House Sound: Jonathan Teanby
Sound Technicians: Joleigh Saunders, Kieran Clarke
Lighting Technician: Tom Dryer
Production Manager: Mette Skriver
Music Programmer: Chris Sharp
Touring Management by Little Big Bookings: Alma Ernst, Ali Dependehner
Film Directed by Alex Leggatt
DOP: Nick Bourdeaux
Editors: Alex Leggatt and William March
Camera Operator: Alex Leggatt
Camera Operator: Fyodor Houtheusen
Wayne Snow: EQUILIBIRUM
Roche Musique
French producer Darius and Nigerian-born future soul artist Wayne Snow released their stunning single, “Equilibrium” on Roche Musique. Re-introducing the duo’s poignant production three years after ‘Lost In The Moment’, the project serves as a powerful message about transcending differences and connecting through the shared experience of music. Their undeniable synergy creates a harmony of cosmic funk and neo-soul, magnified by the richness of their cultural and musical backgrounds.
“The visual will grab your attention, but you’ll ultimately stay for the music”
The official music video was directed by highly-lauded Parisian director Alice Kong and produced by award-winning creative studio Partizan who won the coveted Palme d'Or prize at Cannes and was twice listed Best Production Company of the Year by the Gunn Report.
“a tidy exploration of good-natured fun, but with a poignant undertow”
Main radio support come across the UK with BBC 1, BBC 6 and Radio Xtra1; Radio Nova and Tsugi in France; KCRW in the USA; Radio Radio 1 in Italy ;Triple J in Australia ; Radio Eins in Germany, NPO 3FM in the Netherlands, Light 90.5 in Lebanon, Ibiza Sonica in Spain, RTE Pulse in Ireland, and others.
The track has been added to 50+ editorial playlists on DSPs, including 11 New Music Fridays in Spotify, and main Apple playlists such as Loops and Vibes.
The sound on Tik Tok went viral after we launched an Equilibirum Dance Challenge, and reached 30 million streams on the platform.
Today the music continues to connect with audiences globally. ‘EQUILIBIRUM’ reached Golden Record status in February 2023, with 15 millions streams (and counting).
A beautiful and creative harmony magnified by the richness of their diverse cultures and musical background, this project composed one year ago, serves as a stark reminder that we can all transcend above our differences and connect through the experience of music together, regardless of colour and race.
“The duo have mastered the art of balance, embracing their rich cultural and musical differences”
Laura Misch: “Sample The Sky” LP
Album Campaign - One Little Independent
London-based multidisciplinary artist and producer Laura Misch presents her long-awaited debut album on One Little Independent Records (same label as Björk). An enchanting journey through London’s wild edgelands, the LP is an ode care, connection and listening to the natural world. ‘Sample The Sky’ responds to nature's patterns through organic electronic productions, embodied lyrics, wind inspired saxophone, singing and synthesis all woven into intricately crafted left-field pop songs.
“Celebrates a mystical communion of people, nature and art”
Laura’s performances have been seen in venues and festivals such as Royal Albert Hall, Roundhouse, Rockwood Music Hall, All Points East, Eurosonic, SXSW and We Out Here.
Her ‘Sample The Sky’ tour brings her to headline in Europe and UK across reputable venues such as EartH London, Berghain Kantine Berlin (sold out), Paradiso Amsterdam (sold out) and join the programming of Montreux Jazz Festival Geneva.
“Laura Misch makes an album that
spreads magic, elegance and delicacy.”
For this project, Laura opened up every aspect of the process to her South London creative community.
Both the album cover artworks and the Portals single were under the art direction and photography of Ella Pavlides.
The ‘Portals’ video was commissioned and produced by Connie Meade of Lunar Sea. She is the co-founder of AMF records who discovered and launched the careers of Loyle and Olivia Dean.
Produced by 'Academy and directed by Candice Lo, who has worked with some of the world’s best known brands and artists including: Vogue, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, Dua Lipa, HoYeon Jung, Millie Bobby Brown, Zara, Jo Malone and Adidas.
“Absolutely gorgeous – all pensive rhythms and intelligently layered vocals”
For the adventurous video of ‘Hide To Seek’, Misch collaborates with Saddiq Abubakar, a Nigerian American filmmaker based in London. He also headed projects for Versace Jeans Couture, Coca-Cola, Pepsi, PSL, Redbull, Unilever, Coke Studio, Easypaisa.
‘Hide To Seek’ music video was premiered on Nowness.
“brings such sentimentality to her music and imbues it with modern electronic flourishes”
‘Listen To The Sky’ is about worshiping nature, having the sky as reference and connection to nature even when living in the city. Almost like a pagan rave track, the saxophone the instrument used for summoning.
Saddiq Abubakar created and animated the video, using 4302 laser printed still images on white computer paper. The movement is an illusion.
“Leaning in to her trademark saxophone loops, she builds outwards, crafting entire worlds in the process”
“so thoroughly envisioned, it’s almost miraculous”
‘Sample The Sky’ and Laura Misch have been featured in The New York Times, The Line Of Best Fit, CLASH, XLR8R, The Fader, The Autumn Roses and Record Collector.
Composer Magazine feature Laura in their September 2023 issue.
Further news, playlist, round-up and further online feature inclusions have come in from Dork, The Independent, The Cut, DMY Magazine, Listen To Discover, Spindle, Purple Melon, Twisted Soul, She Makes Music, Music News, Dummy and Find Your Sounds.
The album was reviewed by MOJO (4/5 stars), CLASH , Billboard Italy, Hi-Fi World, The Crack and The Arts Desk.
“Traversing genres, integrates sounds buried deep within nature”
‘Sample The Sky’ received plays across the three singles on BBC Radio 6 (Lauren Laverne, Marianne Hobbs ), BBC Radio 1 (Tom Robinson, Jess Iszatt), & playlist addition on Spotify to Ethereal, State of Jazz, Jazz (UK), New Music Friday (UK/NO), Orbit, Jazz Pop, The Other List. And Landed a cover on Spotify’s Jazz UK playlist.
Laurence Guy: “Living Like..” LP
Album Campaign - The Orchard/Accidental Pieces
For Laurence Guy’s second studio album Living Like There’s No Tomorrow, But Killing Yourself In The Process, we see the producer venture in a new creative direction. Numerous tracks featuring guest vocalists, there’s also mournful brass, soft, washed-out shuffles, melancholic, almost entirely piano-based songs, hypnotic beats and chiming loops, and fluid, crafted hip hop, heavily sampled and artfully arranged.
Inspired by the push and pull between the pursuit of pleasure, the disillusionment that quickly follows, and ultimately achieving balance by embracing both.
Featuring artists are Miller Blue, Wayne Snow, KiLLOWEN, Deem Spencer, Chester Watson and Jamal Buchanon.
“sophisticated fusion of grassroots genres”
For the accompanying visual, a video trilogy beading together the three aspects of this journey. ‘On Your Side’ capturing the euphoria of the party, followed by the inevitable anxiety and comedown reflecting in ‘Don’t Live In Oblivion, It’s Cold Down There’. Finally, finding the balance in ‘For John & Eileen’.
Produced by Superglow (Daisy Finetto and Gary West), award-winning London studio who have worked with Dua Lipa, Sigrid, and SG Lewis, and directed by Roisino, who focuses on creating highly stylised outputs with a fresh, energetic, and vibrant approach.
“has crafted his very own signature of sophisticated underground music”
Around release week, billboards were set up in three key locations around East London, in Dalston, Hackney and Peckham.
“deep and soulful, percussive cut, but packs a punch in its three-minutes”
Laurence has a history of considerable radio support across his career as an artist. From Annie Mac, Pete Tong, Sian Eleri, Jack Saunders, Clara Amfo, Danny Howard, Sarah Story, Phil Taggart, Jamz Supernova on BBC Radio 1.
His productions have been awarded The Chillest Track on BBC Radio 1.
He’s provided mixes for BBC Radio 1 Wind Down
On BBC 6 Music the support has come from Huw Stephens, Tom Ravenscroft, Nemone, Gilles Peterson, Lauren Laverne, Mary Anne Hobbs.
“[he is] responding to the creative challenge of aligning with a vocalist”
The record was covered across CLASH, Essential Journal, Notion, Music Tech, House Of Solo, Faith Magazine, Future Music, and further featured on Mixmag, WhyNow, Tinnitis, Dance Wax, Phil Tagart’s ChillDaBeats podcast, Stereofox, Acid Stag and more.
Images from Future Music’s magazine 6-page studio feature in September 2023 issue.
“Guy once again pushes his sound into new creative directions”
The lead singles have been featured on major Spotify playlists Aloe, Altar, Altar JP, Melancholia, Deep House Relax.
Cultural media playlist additions included by Independent and Hunger.
Supported on BBC Radio 1 (Pete Tong, Jack Saunders, Sian Eleri, Abbie McCarthy), BBC Radio 6 (Afrodeutsche) and A-listed on Rinse FM.
House of Solo SS Issue 2023
“A personal and unique listening experience. The music is transportive [...] yet homely in equal measure”
In Bloom x Labrynthia: A Creative Retreat, Ibiza
Creative Retreat - Ibiza, Spain
Our end of summer creative retreat programme is happening between September 18th and 22nd 2023.
Nested in the Balearic island of Ibiza, Spain (San Joan) in partnership with the creative network of Labrynthia.
This project is a natural evolution of Circle Of Live “In Bloom” academy and presents the online learning experience we developed during the last few years into a week-long format. Our location, Labrynthia, is immersed in the nature of the island’s northern woodland to support us in this creative journey.
“A space to move and breathe, meditate and contemplate”
Immerse yourself for 5 days in a world of inspiration, creativity and nature. This retreat is a journey for anyone who is looking to nurture their creativity, and to integrate creative tools both in their workflow and ordinary days. This is a unique experience that will reignite your inner spark, reconnect and empower you to embrace your true creative self.
Every day includes full schedule of carefully curated workshops with Sebastian Mullaert and/or Be Svendsen, with opportunity to join various activities throughout the day in nature, such as yoga, guided meditation, and various creative and collaborative exercises.
“A mythical tale, being written in the present”
The retreat is open for anyone, as we believe creativity is inherent to everyone. The focus is very holistic and wide, it can also be applied to any creative process and expression, and can be very useful for people who work with other forms of art and creativity.
“We welcome brilliant beings of all kinds: writers & musicians, DJs & producers, artists & artisans, therapists & thinkers, connectors & change-makers.”
The creative retreat will take place between September 18th and 22nd, on the Autumn Equinox, and you can find more information, on the In Bloom website below.
Wayne Snow: “Figurine” LP
Album Campaign - Roche Musique
Figurine is a conceptual, personal work of depth and reflection, one that critically considers humanity’s obsession with masks and our creation of avatars. Inspired by the work of social psychologist Erich Fromm, Figurine is not a full stop. Rather, it’s an invitation – to think, to probe, and to sink into Snow’s bright, storied music. It’s a record based around a simple question - “Who is the real you?” – and led Snow to explore rebirth, individuality, and our unhealthy obsession with social media.
“everything he touches turns to gold”
Produced together with Crayon, Nu Guinea, Brandt Brauer Frick and featuring acclaimed future-jazz artist Oscar Jerome, Snow deftly weaves neo-soul, alternative pop, R&B, soultronica, and hints of jazz into a mesmerizing stew.
“quite the musical force”
Figurine’s visual identity and the accompanying videos have been crafted by the album’s Art Director Travys Owen, a collaboration in every sense with another truly visionary artist. The short films pay homage to Afrofuturism and the vibrancy and beauty of homeland; contemporarily styled, figurines dance through otherworldly, colourful landscapes, exploring relationships, both to each other and to nature.
“the visual will grab your attention, but you’ll ultimately stay for the music”
Shot in Tankwa Karoo National Park near Cape Town, South Africa, the film pays homage to Afrofuturism and the vibrancy and stunning landscapes of the South African desert. Featuring avant-garde styling, digital body scanning, CGI, and contemporary dance choreography, a lone figurine – Snow himself – dances through rich, colourful landscapes exploring relationships, both to itself and to nature. Snow’s custom head piece and suit was designed specifically for this project, created with 3D printing.
“a collision of art, colour and sound”
The team included award-winning producer Allison Swank – who recently won Best Short Documentary at the IMDB Independent Shorts Awards– and costume designer Anna Verloren Van Themaat, overseen by The Swank Group production company. An honest labour of love, the passion and dedication of Snow and the team shine through, the sense of life – of vitality – palpable. His music and art, and the message they convey, are equally as alive.
“a revelation, a captivating melange of sound and color that envelops you instantly”
The lead singles have been featured on 10x New Music Friday playlists on Spotify and achieved 50x plays on the BBC Radio in 6 weeks. “The Thrill” was selected as BBC Radio 1 “Chillest Record”, it was on weekly rotation on BBC 6 Music on Shaun Keaveny’s show and played by Giles Peterson, Jamz Supernova, Jack Sunders and Sian Eleri.
“his voice rises like a hand reaching for the sky”
The record was also featured in NPR Music’s “Best Tracks of 2021” and covered across Vogue, Clash, The Independent, Le Monde, Yahoo Finance, Mojo, L’Obs, Resident Advisor, The Vinyl Factory, It’s Nice That, Notion, Afropunk, Atwood Magazine, Trippin.
“the darkness and depth that he creates is so unmatched”
Sebastian Mullaert: “Natthall” LP
Album Campaign - Neue Meister
Sitting atop a 50m ridge, Natthall is a small, rocky bluff with majestic views east over the Rönne river situated in the idyllic Swedish countryside. It’s at this very spot that Sebastian Mullaert and Niko Seizov shared visions and dreams about a project bridging genres of music, exploring new ways of combining electronic with acoustic instruments, visual art and technology. A year later the dream manifested in a breath taking audio-visual performance at Zürich’s main concert house with no less than one of the top 10 philharmonic orchestras in the world - Tonhalle Zürich.
“an album, which reflects on the fragility and beauty of nature”
The in-depth 20 min documentary film features previously unseen behind the scenes footage, capturing the full process of this project coming to life, as well a wider commentary on the development of the modern classical scene. Featuring exclusive live footage captured during the concert in Zurich, extensive interviews with Sebastian Mullaert, the Tonhalle Orchestra musicians, arranger Luca Magni, areal videographer Tobias Larsson and TonahalleLate creative lead Pierre Bachmann.
“a musical project centered on improvisation that combines research and originality, recombining classical and electronic music.”
The pinnacle piece of the album “Moonwaker” received an accompanying mixed media music video treatment, created by visual artist Petra Hermanova. In her unique creative process the Berlin artist captures close-up and distorted shots of moss, bark and fungi by using a totally innovative image processing technique. As the images pass, melting into one another and forming strange and beautiful landscapes, they complement the organic soundscapes that form and dissolve at the background.
“connect the worlds of electronic and classical music with a fresh perspective”
Accompanying the track “Views Of Natthall” is a video based on raw nature footage captured by the esteemed Swedish areal videographer Tobias Larsson. Armed with a nimble Eurocopter AS350 helicopter and some of the most advanced camera technology on the market, Tobias and his pilot compiled an archive of breath-taking nature footage from the sky. Following his correspondence with Sebastian, the video material was shot whilst listening to his music and features incredible landscapes shot in Sweden, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Norway, and Italy. The final outcome was developed in collaboration with immersive installation specialists Moritz Flachmann, who has enhanced the footage creatively with his psychedelic visual processing, conceptually developed and live synced with the music, to allow for a comprehensive audio-visual experience.
“an extremely lively project that combines classical and electronic music, with such an innovative approach”
Watch a live stream of the concert featuring an hour of previously unheard repertoire, performed at the spectacular Malmö Live concert house, under commissioned by Intonal Festival 2021. Performing together with Subchamber Ensmble, a collection of musicians operating outside of the traditional orchestral context, established by eminent cellist Gerda Holmqvist and renowned film score composer Nathan Larson.
“a perfect symbiosis.”
Paul McCartney x Timo Maas - Grammy Awards
Release Campaign - Virgin Records
“I didn’t think, I never dreamed that I would be around to see it all come true” sings Paul McCartney in his “Nineteen Hundred Eighty Five” song recorded with his band Wings. We certainly didn’t think we would end up on the red carpet in Los Angeles at the 59th annual Grammy Award Ceremony for our efforts in contemporising his forgotten classic together with Timo Maas and Virgin Records.
The start of the campaign was marked by a single side white label 12” vinyl, with no information apart from McCartney’s face, hand stamped on the a-side. Released without any fanfare, press or marketing, we sent two boxes to a shop in London and Berlin for Record Store Day and before we can get around to announce the release it sold out in a matter of hours after hitting the shelves. The white label sent the phones of the stores on fire, shot up to £300 a piece on discogs the next day and left magazine like Billboard, Rolling Stone, I-D Magazine, NME bewildered with the identity of the mysterious producer behind the first ever and only electronic rework of a McCartney song to date.
For the music video treatment we enlisted FKA Twigs choreographer Aaron Sillis, award winning director Can Evgin and produced in collaboration with Wanda TV. Shot in a disused mansion house in the centre of London, the contemporary dance picture received wide acclaim in media like: Purple Magazine, CLASH, Cool Hunting, Kaltblut.
The single was consequently remixed by Kerry Chandler, Paul Wooldford and Tim Green and saw a limited edition run of 12” records on Virgin Records.
Thom Yorke x Modeselektor: Shipwreck
Digital Campaign - MonkeyTown Records
Thom Yorke & Modeselektor “Shipwreck” video supported the release of the seminal “Monkeytown” LP and was no doubt the cherry on their album cake.
Directed by Tony "Truand" Datis, widely known for his highly influential work on “First Of The Year” by Skrillex, it received notable mentions by the likes of Pitchfork, NPR, Hypebeast, FACT, Stereogum, Electronic Beats.
Our digital campaign supporting the video launch, nearly doubled Modeselektor’s social media follower count in the space of a week and led to multiple collaborations with their excellent MonkeyTown Records imprint and the signing of the legendary German duo Mouse On Mars.
Tim Green: Helpless Sun
Music Video Commission - MFR
“Helpless Sun” opens a metaphorical door towards a world largely invisible to the unarmed human eye, through series of chemical reactions between acids, spirits, oils, gels, colored dies and edible liquids captured with the help of powerful macro lenses at 240 frames per second. Director Steven McInerney and visual designer Paul Skawinski demonstrate chemistry’s hidden potential as a visual art form in this mesmerising psychedelic video.
Company founder Niko Seizov sat down for an interview with Wired Magazine to speak about the creative process behind this video commission.
The video launch was covered by VICE Magazine, Creative Review, FACT Magazine, Resident Advisor, Creative Planet.
Mouse On Mars: They Know Your Name
Music Video Commission - MonkeyTown Records
Exploring the uncharted territory between micro biology and motion picture art, this video commission shows the the work of scientist Charles Baroud of Laboratoire d’Hydrodynamique in Paris, transform into visual narrative for the lead single of veteran German electronic duo Mouse On Mars album “Parastrophics”.
Edited and directed by the Berlin creative studio Pfadfinderei, this abstract visual story repurposes microscopic video footage, capturing the scientists experiments in cell research.
Notable press coverage: Wired Magazine, Pitchfork, Stereogum, XLR8R
MonkeyTown Records 2012