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The Inaugural Installation: “Music:Response”
“Music:Response” is a groundbreaking project that reimagines The Chemical Brothers’ music through exclusive re-worked tracks paired with visually stunning, kaleidoscopic art. This installation not only extends the creative collaboration between the band and Smith & Lyall but also introduces a new way to experience their artistry.
THE CUBE: A New Venue for Artistic Innovation
Located in the basement of Casa Batlló, THE CUBE serves as a canvas for artistic expression, blending pixels and high-quality audio. This space aims to immerse visitors in a dynamic interplay of music and visuals, offering an innovative narrative crafted by top-tier artists and engineers.
Gary Gautier, CEO of Casa Batlló, describes THE CUBE as the perfect setting for artists to showcase their work: “This space allows for total creative freedom, making it an ideal venue for artists like The Chemical Brothers and Smith & Lyall to create enchanting experiences.”
A Synergistic Partnership
The collaboration between Sónar and Casa Batlló signifies a fusion of musical expertise and architectural marvel. Enric Palau, Co-founder and Artistic Director of Sónar, emphasizes the significance of this partnership: “The Chemical Brothers and Smith & Lyall have consistently pushed creative boundaries. We’re excited to bring their visionary work to a broader audience through this collaboration.”
The Experience: Visceral and Transformative
“Music:Response” combines iconic characters and abstract visuals tailored to THE CUBE’s space. Inspired by the tradition of ‘Visual Music,’ the installation creates a synaesthetic experience, engaging visitors’ senses and highlighting music’s transformative power.
Smith & Lyall reflect on their work, drawing parallels with Gaudí’s architectural philosophy: “Gaudí’s buildings are immersive environments that transport you out of the ordinary world. Our aim with ‘Music:Response’ is to evoke a similar sense of escape and wonder.”
Upcoming Discussions and Insights
On June 14, Smith & Lyall will discuss their work on “Music:Response” and their longstanding collaboration with The Chemical Brothers at Sónar+D. This session promises to provide deeper insights into their creative process and the evolution of their visual art.
Practical Details
Title: Music:Response
Artists: The Chemical Brothers and Smith & Lyall
Duration: 13 minutes
Format: 6-channel video installation with stereo audio
Dates: May 24 to July 31
Times: Daily, starting at 9 p.m.
Tickets: Available at casabatllo.cat, starting from €15. Limited capacity.
A Fusion of Music and Art
“Music:Response” at THE CUBE exemplifies the innovative spirit of both Casa Batlló and Sónar. By merging electronic music with cutting-edge visual art, this installation offers a unique, immersive experience that captivates and inspires. As Casa Batlló continues to blend tradition with innovation, it reaffirms its commitment to creating joy through art.
Sónar is a leading festival dedicated to electronic music and digital culture, held annually in Barcelona since 1994. Known for its innovative programming, Sónar showcases emerging and established artists, blending music, performance, and technology. Sónar+D, an integral part of the festival since 2013, features performances, installations, and conferences that explore the intersection of creativity and technology.
The Chemical Brothers, Tom Rowlands and Ed Simons, have been electronic music innovators for over 30 years. Known for hits like “Galvanize,” “Go,” and “Hey Boy Hey Girl,” they have won multiple Grammy and Brit Awards and sold over 13 million albums, including five UK number ones. Their 2023 album, “For That Beautiful Feeling,” received critical acclaim and a Grammy nomination, followed by a global tour with sold-out shows. Their live performances, enhanced by stunning visuals from Smith & Lyall, offer an immersive experience that captivates audiences worldwide. Renowned for pushing the boundaries of electronic music, The Chemical Brothers continue to influence the genre with their dynamic sound and creative collaborations.
Smith & Lyall, the duo of Adam Smith and Marcus Lyall, are the visual directors for The Chemical Brothers’ live shows. Their work, inspired by psychedelic light shows and ‘Visual Music,’ creates immersive audiovisual experiences. Adam Smith is an acclaimed filmmaker and visual artist, while Marcus Lyall specializes in large-scale public art installations. Together, they have crafted iconic live visuals for major music tours worldwide.
About Casa Batlló
Casa Batlló, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, is a landmark of Modernisme in Barcelona. Attracting over a million visitors annually, it offers innovative cultural experiences through art and technology, including immersive rooms and augmented reality. Committed to sustainability and social inclusion, Casa Batlló employs a significant number of neurodivergent individuals, ensuring an inclusive and enriching visitor experience.
Credits
Sound by The Chemical Brothers (Tom Rowlands & Ed Simons)
Vision by Smith & Lyall (Adam Smith & Marcus Lyall)