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

Christopher Hoddinott

Chris is currently studying a Masters in Sonic Art at Hull University Scarborough Campus under Joseph Anderson, Tim Howle and Rob Mackay. He has produced a number of works which have been included in various events including Sonic Arts Expo in 2008. 

Chris Studied a BA in Creative Music Technology at Hull University before starting his masters. His interest in electroacoustic music is developing the conceptual abstracts to produce the music. In particular to relation to the ideas of Joseph Beuys, George Maciunas and the Fluxus movement.

The variety works have included sound installations, ambisonic, 5.1 and stereo tape recordings. Chris has written music for the play Mother written by Chris Perkins, and has hosted his own commercial radio show.

Side projects have included avant-garde bands called Ewarwoowoo, Hodmeister, as well as various solo projects under different pseudonyms.

The SARU (Sonic Art Research Unit) provides a forum for dialogue between the fields of Experimental Composition and Sound Art; including electroacoustic, language based composition, interdisciplinary and site-specific practices, field recording and soundscape studies. SARU curates the annual sound festival audiograft; supports the development of online projects including Sound Diaries and Found Soundscape and programmes symposia, performances and exhibitions. SARU is supported by a community of practitioners.

You can get involved in SARU through our new MA Sound Arts course and our PhD programme.

Composer. Work published by Novello, Peters and Decipherer Arts Press

Tim Howle is following