The godfather of noise music is heading to Newport in February for a rare Australian show.
For nearly five decades, Tokyo-based artist Merzbow has been pushing sonic boundaries to their absolute limits.
His work takes listeners into completely uncharted territory, building one of the most distinctive and personal projects in contemporary experimental music. Known for shows that feel almost transcendental, Merzbow delivers performances where bodies and ears get swallowed by walls of sound that defy description.
Merzbow
- What: Merzbow with Lawrence English
- Where: The Substation, 1 Market Street, Newport
- When: 28 February
- Tickets here
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Next year, Merzbow brings that legendary live experience to The Substation in Newport. The artist will be joined by fellow experimental sound artist Lawrence English, whose work explores the outer edges of ambient music and low-frequency pressure. English’s performances create thick, physically immersive sonic atmospheres that complement Merzbow’s full-spectrum sonic assault perfectly.
The show promises a complete sensory experience, with the venue warning attendees about haze, flashing lights, sustained loud noise and bright lighting throughout. Doors open at 6.30pm with the bar available before the performance kicks off at 7.30pm.
Merzbow’s concerts exist as near-transcendental experiences where sound becomes an overwhelming physical force. His music operates as a pyroclastic cloud of noise, a full-spectrum eruption where unexpected pleasures hide within the chaos. It’s total music in its purest form, rendering sound at its deepest and most intense.
The pairing with Lawrence English adds another dimension to the evening. The Brisbane-based artist and Room40 label founder has spent years investigating the physical properties of sound, particularly how low frequencies and dense harmonics affect the body. His live work evokes speculative atmospheres that feel simultaneously meditative and overwhelming.
The Substation has partnered with Room40 to present this rare Australian appearance.
For more information, head here.
This article was made in partnership with The Substation.
