James Welburn: SURGE Album Listening Premiere

About

Following four artistic residencies in Longyearbyen, James Welburn presents a listening experience of his new album SURGE at Nordover Cinema.
Developed in the former mining communities of Svalbard, the album draws inspiration from industrial remnants set against vast polar landscapes. It explores how sound can capture not only physical environments, but also the conditions that define them: exposure to climate, terrain, debris, and an uncertain future.
All material was developed in Longyearbyen, using the landscape as both source and testing ground. The work has previously been presented in lecture and concert formats in collaboration with Artica and Spitsbergen Artists Residency, including two memorable performances at Mary-Ann's Polarrigg. Supported by the University of Inland Norway, A Portal to New Worlds of Sound: Artistic Research into 3D Audio in Extended Reality (XR). The premiere will be presented in 7.1 surround sound at Nordover Cinema.
"Full of sounds and structures to get lost in, to bathe in the layers and wade through the textures that Welburn constructs with consummate skill." — The Quietus (UK)
"Sleeper in the Void is a magnificent punch in the stomach." — Rockerilla (Italy)
"His 2021 album Sleeper in the Void on Miasmah is a prime example of how captivating and beautiful experimental music can be." — Deichman's music blog (Norway)
James Welburn began his musical journey in early 1990s London, playing bass in avant-rock bands before studying sound art under Cathy Lane and Angus Carlyle (CRiSAP). He later worked in film sound design and spent a decade in Berlin's experimental music scene, including roles at Native Instruments and Ableton, while developing his own artistic practice. Drawn to Norwegian experimental music, Welburn relocated north.
His first two LPs, released by the Norwegian label Miasmah, received strong critical acclaim. His work combines searing drones, driving rhythms, and expansive spatial sound.
Free entry, bar is open!