London-based improvisors Jonathan McHugh and Mark Wastell fuse analogue synthesizer, mixing desk and 32” tam-tam into static, feedback, noise and drone. Hydriotaphia is a document of their first meeting as a duo.

Jonathan McHugh is an electronic musician and recording engineer with longstanding interests in the emphasis on sound texture rather than musical structure. He currently deals with audio feedback systems, sound synthesis and live signal processing programmes. Jonathan has collaborated with a variety of artists including Benedict Drew, Phil Durrant, Jem Finer, Dominic Lash, Dawn Scarfe, and Lawrence Williams.

Sound artist and composer Mark Wastell builds enormous atmospheres on the tam-tam with very little actual movement. Wastell’s music is dark, deep and beautiful. Slow movements build up sonic pulses that are able to take over rooms and buildings. He has collaborated with many people including Rhodri Davies, Bernard Gunter, Evan Parker, Mattin, Tony Conrad, Keith Rowe, Otomo Yoshihide, Derek Bailey, John Butcher, Toshimaru Nakamura and Burkhard Beins. Wastell also runs the Sound 323 shop and website and the Confront label.

Jonathan McHugh
Mark Wastell
Confront on Diogenes