Return to Fusebox Festival

soundcult live at Fusebox Festival 2024 (photo: Ben Scheffler)

Fusebox is an arts organization operating out of Austin, Texas, and it’s the real deal. While contemporary arts here have seen a boost in popularity over the past half-decade as some artists have devised ways of watering contemporary down to make it palatable to white old people with money, Fusebox has consistently presented strong, meaningful, inclusive and cutting-edge art throughout its 19-year existence.

I’ve been privileged to work with Fusebox many times over the years. I’ve been a featured artist on its annual Sixty in 60 showcases (during which sixty artists present sixty works, each lasting a mere 60 seconds), and I’ve also directed two large-scale performances as part of its annual Fusebox Festival (the fest-opening Mozart Requiem Undead in 2014 and Steve Parker’s fantasia on amplified/transposed live bats, BAT/MAN, in 2016). Even when I’m not a featured performer, I have always enjoyed taking in the inspiring performances that Fusebox has to offer.

Covid threw everyone for a loop, and the past several years have been a time for regrouping. I’d not performed in a Fusebox event since 2018, and when the opportunity arose to be a part of the 2024 festival, I jumped at the chance.

Semi-Modulars at Fusebox Festival 2024

One of my groups, soundcult, was invited to close out Monday night’s fest night in a special collaboration with Me Mer Mo (another beloved outsider arts presentation organization in Austin). Also featured on the bill was the lovely F.LO.W. (Full Liquid Orchestral Works), and an incredible performance by Semi-Modulars, which is comprised of synth enthusiasts from the Austin School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. While that all went down inside, there was an incredible percussion solo set outside, employing found objects and natural acoustics to create some of the wildest percussion sounds I’ve heard in some time (and yes, I took copious notes).

soundcult had a great time punctuating the evening with our blend of noise, though I think we had even more fun taking in the beauty that everyone else was throwing down. Many thanks to Fusebox and Me Mer Mo for including us in this lovely event.

F.L.O.W. at Fusebox Festival 2024