Architextures Revisited 018 – Francesca – Dada
Francesca’s Architextures radio show is back with an amazing selection of music, this time inspired by the Bauhaus school of art. 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 love it that you can revisit Francesca and Architextures with us here on Pen vs Sword re-OpenLab.

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Table of Contents
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
This episode of Architextures takes us on a 2 hour musical journey inspired by Dadaism, featuring tracks by Cabaret Voltaire, Talking Heads, Al Robertson, Liquid Liquid & many more…
Dada’s subversive anti-art tendencies and savage hostility to artistic respectability and “creatively stagnant” corporatism reemerged within the DIY techniques of Post-Punk and New Wave music. Artists adopted its “unconstructive revolt” and “intoxicating irrationalism” in opposition to “sterile studio perfectionism” and refusing the common distinction between high and low culture, exploring avant-garde sonic territories and nonsensical and humorous lyricism.
Post-punk often addressed socio-political issues such as alienation, repression, and technocracy, whilst the robotic dancing, jittery-high pitched vocals and the agitated, nerdy personas of New Wave bands like Talking Heads presented a radical alternative to the machismo and bravado of 1960s pop and rock. Groups like the Human League and Cabaret Voltaire proclaimed themselves “non-musicians” – “It was all for our own amusement. We didn’t really know what we were doing”.
In the words of Richard E. Kirk: “To us, it was Dada to call ourselves Cabaret Voltaire, cos we were ripping them off.”

Listen to Francesca on re-OpenLab Architextures Revisited 18 – Dada:
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.
*SoundCloud player Artwork by Herbert Bayer.
Playlist
Marcel Duchamp – Jan Jelinek
Other Side of The Sky – Gon
The Manipulator – Alan Hawkshaw & Brian Bennett
Where It Is – Trevor Coleman
Next – Skylab
Space Talk – Talking Drums
Video Games (Instrumental) – Seduction
Strange Love (Fonk Version) – F.O.E
Moon Rocks – Talking Heads
Kartoffel Garten – Psychedelic Digestion Therapy Telephone Son – P.Cock
Sons of Pioneers – Japan
Destination Moon – Solid Space
Not Afraid to Die – Autumn
Ninette En New York – Arte Moderno
Dignity of Labour – Al Robertson
Moon Base – Galaxy
Some Air Version – Out 2
Spectrum is Green – Solid Space
Cavern – Liquid Liquid
Shake Your Molecules – Soma Holiday
French Beat – Kuruki
Game and Performance – Deux
Blessed State – Wire
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:
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What do you think?