Brutus x IFFR: C.A.N.V.A.S

An Uaimh Bhinn (“The Sweet Sounding Cave”) is a multidisciplinary project by artist and spatial sound composer Lugh O’Neill and experimental collective Temporary Pleasure. At its core is an installation featuring a performance among the basalt columns of Fingal’s Cave, a natural wonder on Scotland’s Isle of Staffa, famed for its cathedral-like acoustics and mythical ties to an ancient giant’s bridge.

Curated by Orpheu de Jong, a pivotal figure in Amsterdam’s music scene, the exhibition transforms the space into a dynamic environment for innovative music and performance. Shifting between exhibition, installation, and stage, it offers a constantly evolving acoustic and spatial experience.

As a continuation of our collaboration with Brutus, this edition of IFFR features two extraordinary nights of performances. The first night is presented by C.A.N.V.A.S., a record label and event series by Lugh O’Neill and Olan Monk. It highlights the spatiality of sound, with Elvin Brandhi and KMRU engaging the unique sound system and architecture, transforming the space into their own.

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About the artists:

Elvin BRANDHI is an improvising lyricist, producer and sound artist from Bridgend, Wales, who builds aberrant beats from field recordings, tape, vinyl, instrument and voice. Using sound and voice as an expansive language transgressing intrinsic systemics and inherited syntactical etiquettes, her live shows are unyielding bursts of erupting animation where her caustic stream of consciousness cavorts with restless, glitched out heaviness. Her creative momentum comprises a range of collaborations and an endless nomadism.

Her first E.P Shelf life was released on C.A.N.V.A.S in 2018. She is one half of father/daughter noise-improv berserkers Yeah You who released on Alter, Slip, Opal, Psychik Dancehall and Good Food. She also performs in collaborations such as the Avril Spleen project with Joseph Jadame (maltash), Bahk with Daniel Blumberg (MUTE), as well as contributions to Drew Mcdowall’s agalma, just to name a few.

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Joseph KAMARU, aka KMRU, is a Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist whose work is grounded
on the discourse of field recording, noise and sound art. His work posits expanded listening
cultures of sonic thoughts and sound practices, a proposition to consider and reflect on auditory
cultures beyond the norms. An awareness of surroundings through creative compositions,
installations and performances. He has earned international acclaim from his performances in far-flung locales such as the Barbican, Berlin Atonal, CTM festival, Dekmantel, Le Guess Who and

Tramway. Additionally, his profound releases on labels like Editions Mego, Subtext, Seil Records and his own imprint OFNOT. 2022 saw him supporting Big Thief in the UK/EU and touring with
Fennesz in the US. He is a SHAPE artist, received an honorary mention at Prix Ars Electronica 2023
and has an MA in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts. KMRU has carved out a serious and definitive
space on the list of essential authors in ambient- experimental music-one of the most prolific and
innovative artists in his field.