Architextures Revisited 01 – Francesca – Metabolist

Architextures is a compelling radio show hosted by Francesca on openlab.fm, a platform known for its eclectic and innovative programming. Francesca, with her deep passion for music and keen ear for unique sounds, curates a show that explores the intricate layers of music, akin to the complex structures of architecture. This program has carved out a distinct niche in the world of radio, offering listeners a journey through diverse musical landscapes. In our partnership with OpenLab.fm we thought we would start at the beginning and revisit Francesca and Architextures here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.

Architextures Concept and Theme

The concept of Architextures is rooted in the idea of music as a form of architecture. Just as an architect designs buildings with careful attention to detail, balance, and harmony, Francesca approaches her show with a similar ethos. She constructs each episode meticulously, layering different sounds and genres to create a cohesive auditory experience.

Musical Style and Selection

Francesca’s musical selection for Architextures is diverse and expansive. She draws from a wide range of genres, including ambient, electronic, experimental, and world music. Each episode is a tapestry of sounds, woven together to create a mood or tell a story. Francesca has a talent for finding the connections between seemingly disparate pieces of music, blending them seamlessly into a unified whole. This approach not only showcases her deep knowledge and appreciation of music but also introduces listeners to new and unexpected sounds.

This Shows Theme

In Architextures, London Based Dj/Producer Francesca presents soundscapes exploring music as ‘an immaterial form of artistic expression; the articulation of modernist movements and cultural philosophies through multisensory meshworks in orbit’.

This first episode serves as an exploration of urban landscapes, drawing inspiration from the aesthetics, philosophies, and cultural history that shaped the Metabolist style, exemplified by the Nagakin Capsule Tower Apartments. The mix begins with ambient, techno, and experimental tracks, primarily featuring Japanese composers and producers, focusing on minimalistic and structural soundscapes.

These are often paired with traditional Japanese instruments and techniques, as well as natural ambient sounds. The journey then transitions into Japanese jazz, fusion, and city pop, reflecting the country’s unique take on Western music from the 70s and 80s. The music is as eclectic as the architectural influences behind it.

Listen to Francesca on re-OpenLab Architextures Revisited 01 – Metabolist

Originally aired over four years ago, the show often features rare and obscure tracks, providing a platform for lesser-known artists and genres. Francesca’s ability to unearth these hidden gems and present them in an accessible way is one of the hallmarks of Architextures. Her selections often include a mix of contemporary and classic tracks, creating a dialogue between the past and present of musical innovation.

Playlist

Ship-Scope – Shinichi Atobe
Uchi Soto Uki – Move D
Hakobi – Akiko Kiyama
Hemingway – Jun Fukamachi
Sunny Side – Susuma Yokota
Creek – Hiroshi Yoshimura
8:07 – Global Communication
Uoon 1 – Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto
And the Sunlight Transcends – Hakobune
Process of Decay – Stereociti
Metabolism – H Takahashi
Ethos – Ken Ishii
Jo-Do – Hiroshi Sato
Heads – Shigeo Sekito
Flying Woman – The Carmets
Variation III – Masashi Kitamura + Phonogenix
Neutrino – Linkwood + Greg Foat
See The Light – Fumio Miyashita
Yell0w_Tail – Overmono
Dancin – Junko Ohashi
Seto – Meitei
All Alone – Tar-Tar
Green – Hiroshi Yoshimura
Sequence 02 – Rei Harakami
Bamboo Child – Ryo Kawasaki
The Word 2 – Shigeo Sekito

Architextures Listening Experience

Listening to Architextures is an immersive experience. Francesca’s thoughtful curation and smooth transitions create a continuous flow of music that captivates the listener from start to finish. The show is designed to be an auditory journey, with each episode offering a unique exploration of sound. Whether it’s the ambient soundscapes that evoke a sense of calm and introspection or the more upbeat electronic tracks that energize and inspire, Architextures caters to a wide range of moods and emotions.

Impact and Reception

Since its inception, Architextures has garnered a dedicated following. Listeners appreciate Francesca’s distinctive approach to music curation and the high-quality production of the show. The program became a staple for those seeking an alternative to mainstream radio, offering a refreshing and innovative perspective on music.

Architextures has also had a positive impact on the broader music community. By featuring a wide range of artists and genres, the show helped to promote diversity and inclusivity in music. It provides a platform for emerging artists and brings attention to music that might otherwise go unheard.

Architextures by Francesca on openlab.fm is more than just a radio show; it’s an artistic endeavour that celebrates the rich and varied landscape of music. Through her careful curation and passion for discovery, Francesca has created a program that still resonates deeply with listeners and contributes meaningfully to the world of music. Architextures stands out as a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and transform.

*Resident Advisor Francesca Mackay
**Instagram Francesca Mackay

About OpenLab:

Founded in 2013 by electronic music pioneer, composer and DJ Robert Miles and inspired by the creative spirit of Ibiza. OpenLab was conceived specifically to showcase the best in innovative yet accessible music and visual art.

Broadcasting worldwide via www.openlab.fm and on 106.4 FM in Ibiza and Formentera, OpenLab champions the worlds most exciting producers, artists, DJ’s and visual artists, offering their community a glimpse of ‘Tomorrows World.. Today’.

You can listen to their Live Radio broadcasts here https://openlab.fm/radio/on-air or download their App:
IOS: bit.ly/OLappApple
Android: bit.ly/OlAppAndroid

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