photo by Sam Walton
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James Layton is a composer, musician and visual artist based in London, UK. His work often explores non-climactic forms, which slowly unfold and focus on the juxtaposition of progression and stasis. His use of patterns, permutations and repetition aims to draw listeners into the music, while exploring ideas of time and memory. This work is often informed by his interest in visual art, particularly the works of Agnes Martin, Sol Lewitt and Bridget Riley. Among his acoustic writing, he also works with lo-fi electronics in the form of cassette tapes, guitar effects pedals, audio and video tape, creating long-form compositions and installations, often with a combination of acoustic and electronic elements.
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saudade
chamber opera in seven stills, 2021–22
world premiere, 28th June 2022
NODO 2022, ostrava, czech republic
music: James Layton
libretto: Jack Burnham
Found at the intersection between desire and expression, two halves, separated by death, now wind their way through the years helplessly enacting a spectral dance. There is a reckoning with the inexorable persistence of memory, and the inability to break a compulsive and damning cycle of inarticulacy. The natural flow of yearning proves vulnerable to disruption. The years have made language thin and brittle. So we scratch our story onto the surface of ice, at the point of departure. A future is possible, but may not be permissible. A negotiation of sorts occurs, one that anxiously balances on the tip of the needle deep within the heart of all crystalline winter dreams.
more information
chamber opera in seven stills, 2021–22
world premiere, 28th June 2022
NODO 2022, ostrava, czech republic
music: James Layton
libretto: Jack Burnham
Found at the intersection between desire and expression, two halves, separated by death, now wind their way through the years helplessly enacting a spectral dance. There is a reckoning with the inexorable persistence of memory, and the inability to break a compulsive and damning cycle of inarticulacy. The natural flow of yearning proves vulnerable to disruption. The years have made language thin and brittle. So we scratch our story onto the surface of ice, at the point of departure. A future is possible, but may not be permissible. A negotiation of sorts occurs, one that anxiously balances on the tip of the needle deep within the heart of all crystalline winter dreams.
more information
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are we on other, less concrete shores?
'Somewhere Beyond the horizon Two small wings Gently open.' - Jack Burnham |
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from the album ''Meditation Objects, Supplements, and Sequences (MOSS) Vol. II [RGMS-012]'' released 17 January 2022
video by James Layton |
Breaking The Ears Podcast
Episode 1: James Layton
Breaking the Ears podcast is hosted by Markas Michmel, who is a composer, music producer and avid music listener. The podcasts brings on composers, sound artists, and musicians to the show, to talk about and listen to their music and work for a deeper understanding of their process, philosophy, and inspiration behind their work.
Episode 1: James Layton
Breaking the Ears podcast is hosted by Markas Michmel, who is a composer, music producer and avid music listener. The podcasts brings on composers, sound artists, and musicians to the show, to talk about and listen to their music and work for a deeper understanding of their process, philosophy, and inspiration behind their work.
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Extract from Focal
Orchestral Opening Concert, Ostrava Days 2019, Ostrava New Orchestra conducted by Petr Kotík |
Stephen Upshaw performing Wandering
Solem Quartet Online Concert [May 2020]
Solem Quartet Online Concert [May 2020]
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of late
created by James Layton and Jonathan Layton
created by James Layton and Jonathan Layton
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dancers - Georgia Howlett, Romy Reckers and Jonathan Layton
music by Howard Skempton
performed and recorded by James Layton
filmed in turin, italy [sep 2021]
music by Howard Skempton
performed and recorded by James Layton
filmed in turin, italy [sep 2021]
Work released by RGMS
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are we on other, less concrete shores?
from the album ''Meditation Objects, Supplements, and Sequences (MOSS) Vol. II [RGMS-012]'' released 17 January 2022 |
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these memories are not my own, they're borrowed from my past [RGMS-008] released 22 January 2021
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jean, you forgot to pay the electric bill!
from the album ''Meditation Objects, Supplements, and Sequences (MOSS) Vol. I [RGMS-004]'' released 17 November 2020 |
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