Architextures Revisited 05 – Francesca – Minimalism

This time Francesca returns with her art-inspired radio show and the focus is on minimalism. Francesca, with her deep passion for music and keen ear for unique sounds, curates a show that explores the intricate layers of music and in our partnership with OpenLab.fm we thought we you’d love to revisit Francesca and Architextures with us here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.

Architextures Concept and 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’. 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

Emerging in New York in the 1960s, minimalism marked a departure from the expressive, gestural style of abstract expressionism, shifting the art world’s attention to sculptural objects, often drawn from everyday life. Philosopher Richard Wollheim famously described these works as having “minimal art content.” Minimalist art is often geometric, monochrome, and engineered in simple, pared-down forms, aiming to represent a refined aesthetic that encourages the viewer to focus on material and structure.

Simultaneously, minimalism took shape in music, with composers like John Cage, Terry Riley, and Philip Glass reflecting the art world’s ethos. Using limited musical materials, these musicians created repetitive patterns, steady drones, and consonant harmonies that drew attention to the act of listening, allowing the internal processes of the music to take centre stage.

Listen to Francesca on re-OpenLab Architextures Revisited 05 – Minimalism:

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

Aphex Twin – Blue Calx
Robert Rich – Elemental Trigger Arthur Russell – Another Thought
Bebo Baldan – Afree (Following The Ground Effects)
Matthew Bourne – Weldon Irvine
Terry Riley – Arica
Deru – 1979
A.R.T Wilson – Overworld Iury Lech – Barreras
Claude Young – Soundscape June11 – Memories
Loscil – Zero
Steve Roach – Quiet Friend
Ray Lynch – Celestial Soda Pop
Gage – Flags in the Rain
Reagenz – ü
E.V.A – Isis and Osiris
Gigi Masin & Alessandro Monti – O.A.L Stereociti – Rain
Claude Larson – Software Industry Form is Emptyness – Swayzak
Dub Tractor – A Second

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

*All Book Images Open a New tab to our Bookshop
**If you buy books linked to our site, we get 10% commission from Bookshop.org, whose fees support independent bookshops.

Browse 1000’s of Books in Our PromisesBooks Bookshop