Here Be Monsters: A Gateway to Austin's Avant-Garde Classical Scene
The Here Be Monsters festival is a celebration of Austin's experimental music scene, bringing together a diverse range of indie classical and avant-garde performers. This year's event, returning to Radio/East, showcases 27 Austin-based groups with a mix of contemporary composition, electronic soundscapes, prog-rock percussion, and more. The festival's unique appeal lies in its inclusive nature, making adventurous music accessible to all.
One of the key attractions is the Kraken Quartet, led by percussionist Christopher Demetriou. The group's evolution from a traditional percussion ensemble into a fusion of modern classical, prog rock, math rock, and electronics showcases the festival's anything-goes sensibility. Demetriou's use of electric vibraphone and guitar pedals adds a synth-like texture to their performances, creating a unique and engaging experience.
Co-organizer Michael Zapruder emphasizes the festival's mission to make adventurous music approachable. The movement, he says, involves composers and performers blending classical structures with rock, electronic, improvisation, and avant-garde elements. Some groups perform from written scores, while others experiment with technology, amplification, and unorthodox instrumentation.
The festival's 15-minute sets allow audience members to explore a wide range of sounds and discover new favorites. Chris Prosser, co-director of Tetractys New Music and a festival founder, highlights the broad mix of styles and approaches as intentional. This year's event features a diverse lineup, with several artists premiering works specifically for the festival, offering a snapshot of Austin's avant-garde scene.
The festival's collaborative structure has fostered a sense of community among musicians who might otherwise remain scattered. It grew out of the realization that Austin has a large network of boundary-pushing musicians who rarely share stages or audiences. By bringing these artists together, Here Be Monsters creates a platform for exploration and shared experiences, challenging the notion that experimental music is intimidating.
The event's success is attributed to Austin's culture of embracing discovery and participation. Zapruder notes that Austinites are good at having fun and creating rich experiences. Even with performances that may challenge audiences, the festival prioritizes creating a space for exploration and shared experiences, reflecting the belief that music is enough on its own.
Here Be Monsters, a two-day indie classical and experimental music festival, will take place on May 23-24 at Radio/East. The festival offers a unique opportunity to delve into Austin's avant-garde classical scene, leaving audiences with a broader appreciation of indie classical music and a sense of community among like-minded musicians.
