Rob Mackay is a composer, sound artist and performer. He gained a degree in Geology and Music at the University of Keele, studying composition there with Mike Vaughan, before going on to complete a Master’s and PhD with Andrew Lewis at the University of Wales, Bangor. Currently he is a Reader in Creative Music Technology at the University of Hull.

Recent projects have moved towards a cross-disciplinary approach, including theatre, audio/visual installation work, and human/computer interaction. Prizes and honours include: IMEB Bourges (1997 and 2001); EAR99 from Hungarian Radio (1999); Confluencias (2003); La Muse en Circuit (2004 and 2006). His work has received over 100 performances in 16 countries (including several performances on BBC Radio 3). Currently he is working with percussionist Evelyn Glennie on a composition project as part of Ruskin Rocks (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/ruskinrocks/).

He has held composer residencies at Slovak Radio (Bratislava), La Muse en Circuit (Paris), and the Tyrone Guthre Arts Centre (Ireland).

He is an improvisor working across many genres, and for several years played with the improvisation ensemble 'Imp'. He has also enjoyed improvising with Rhodri Davies and Jez Riley French. He has played, written and produced in a number of bands and ensembles, including the Welsh Hip-Hop collective 'Tystion' with whom he collaborated alongside John Cale on the film ‘A Beautiful Mistake’, as well as recording two John Peel sessions on BBC Radio 1 and supporting PJ Harvey. More recently, he has done session work for Gowel Owen and Euros Childs as well as playing in the Welsh Afrofunk outfit 'Drymbago'.

6 CDs including his compositions are available. More information and pieces at: www.digital-music-archives.com and http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/dramamusicandscreen/ourstaff/musicstaff/robmackay.aspx

Sound Artist, Composer, Storytelling

Currently undertaking a PhD in Composition at The University of Manchesters Novars Research Centre

www.hayleysuviste.co.uk

LIFE are an alternative band from Hull. The creative four-piece are proudly independent with a strong DIY ethic built around community. LIFE have successfully released three albums on their own label and are currently writing their next body of work.

LIFE’s albums include 2017’s Popular Music (BBC Radio 1’s albums of the year), 2019’s A Picture of Good Health (BBC Radio 6’s albums of the year & AIM Award nominated best second album) and 2022’s critically acclaimed North East Coastal Town which long-time supporter of the band Steve Lamacq described as the best thing the band had released a; “Snow-globe of emotions.’’

Friends Without Names the lead single from North East Coastal Town was A-listed at BBC6 Music. The band have cemented great favour at the station with numerous playlist additions including their singles Big Moon Lake, The Drug, Excites Me, Bum Hour, Popular Music & more.

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