The inaugural release on KMRU‘s own fledgling OFNOT imprint, Dissolution Grip is an ambitious project that emerged from his studies at Berlin’s prestigious UDK. The Kenyan composer and sound artist is best known for his field recording work, and as he traveled across Europe and the wider world for regular live performances, he made a point to snapshot each city. But the more he studied and the more he examined his practice, the more KMRU began to wonder what the purpose of these recordings were, and what bearing they might actually have on his self-expression. Simultaneously, he’d begun to dive more wholeheartedly into the world of synthesis. In a way, synthesis is the most basic form of sound, and KMRU started to wonder not just how he could harness these sounds but how he might be able to more dynamically combine them with field recordings.

“A goldmine of introverted electronic music.” —Resident Advisor

“Intelligent, atmospheric and emotionally experimental music, using everything from gritty indigenous sounds to field recordings and synthesis.” —NTS

“One of the most prolific and innovative artists in his field.” —Bandcamp

A livestream will be available free of charge at 8pm on the day of the performance and archived for future viewing. Watch below or on YouTube.

Joseph Kamaru, aka KMRU, is a Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist whose work is grounded on the discourse of field recording, noise, and sound art. His work posits expanded listening cultures of sonic thoughts and sound practices, a proposition to consider and reflect on auditory cultures beyond the norms. An awareness of surroundings through creative compositions, installations, and performances. He has earned international acclaim from his performances in far-flung locales such as the Barbican, Berlin Atonal, CTM festival, Dekmantel, Le Guess Who and Tramway. Additionally, his profound releases on labels like Editions Mego, Subtext, Seil Records, and his own imprint OFNOT. 2022 saw him supporting Big Thief in the UK/EU and touring with Fennesz in the US. He is a SHAPE artist, received an honorary mention at Prix Ars Electronica 2023 and has an MA in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts. KMRU has carved out a serious and definitive space on the list of essential authors in ambient- experimental music-one of the most prolific and innovative artists in his field.