Born in South Tyrol and now based in Leipzig, Damian Dalla Torre is a composer, saxophonist and sound artist whose work exists at the intersection of jazz, ambient, contemporary classical music and experimental electronics.
His compositions explore the dialogue between nature and technology, often incorporating field recordings, custom-built instruments and organic sound textures. This year, Damian Dalla Torre joins the line-up of Detect Classic Festival, bringing his immersive sonic world to the festival’s unique setting.
FACTS
- Wherever I travel, I love collecting field recordings, even if I never end up using them.
- I’m currently building an instrument made of wind-driven ceramic flutes.
- Right now, I’m trying to befriend a pair of ravens that live in the park next to my apartment.
11 QUESTIONS
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
At the moment, I’d say I’m most interested in the relationship between nature and technology, and between the human and the non-human.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I started playing music as a child and eventually studied jazz saxophone. Over the years, I became more interested in recording, producing and creating my own palette of sounds rather than focusing on a single instrument.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
Betts – Ura Omote
Ruth Goller – Skylla
Oh No Noh – As Late As Possible
tibslc – City of Something
Sophia Jani & Teresa Allgaier – Six Pieces for Solo Violin
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
A huge source of inspiration. Berlin has a unique experimental and electronic music scene, and every visit leaves me with new ideas.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
One of my favourite places in Leipzig is a walking path through Clara-Zetkin-Park near my apartment. Whenever I return home, it’s the first place I visit. I love that it’s always the same path, yet it never feels the same. Every walk reveals something new.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Probably cook for people. I really enjoy bringing people together around a table.
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
tibslc – City of Something
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
The list is endless, because I think music is all about collaboration and sharing ideas. I recently had the pleasure of working with the Japanese ambient artist aus, and I’d love to continue building connections like that.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Seeing Anthony Braxton’s Sextet at the Molde Jazz Festival when I was about 15 was a turning point for me. During the concert, someone in the audience stood up, shouted “Fuck you!” at the band and walked out. It made me realize that music can genuinely provoke, overwhelm and deeply affect people. That has stayed with me ever since.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Technology is an essential part of my work, but the question that drives me is simple: /How can I use technology to express emotion?/ I’m currently building an instrument that combines handmade ceramic flutes with an electronically controlled wind system, exploring the space where craftsmanship, technology and musical expression meet.
11. Next month you’ll be performing at Detect Festival. What can we expect from your concert?
I’ll be performing with harpist Babett Niclas, who is also featured on my latest album, /People Pleaser/, released on June 12. We’ll be playing music from the album, but we’ll approach it in a very open way, leaving plenty of room for improvisation and spontaneity.
