Demdike Stare (UK)

Demdike Stare is a British duo consisting of Sean Canty and Miles Whittaker, active since 2009, known for their preference for atmospheric sounds that evoke a sense of mystery and immersion in dense, layered soundscapes. Hailing from the Manchester scene, the two artists blend influences ranging from dub, techno, and ambient to folk and sound collage. Each of their albums is like an imaginary soundtrack, full of tension and drama. Works like Tryptych (2011) and Wonderland (2016) alternate moments of deep calm with bursts of aggressive, industrial sounds, immersing the listener in a sonic world that feels almost tangible. This narrative quality is enhanced by the use of archival recordings, samples, and sound manipulation techniques, giving their compositions an archaic and mysterious aura. The duo explores the boundaries between musical genres. Techno is disassembled and reduced to its essential elements, while dub influences emerge through deep basslines and deconstructed rhythms. At the same time, their use of abrasive sound structures and processed sounds approaches noise and concrete music, demonstrating a constant commitment to exploring new musical languages. The duo is strongly influenced by visual aesthetics and cinema culture. Their works are often accompanied by artwork and visuals that reflect the surreal imagery of their compositions.