NOMINATION: Work of the Year - Electroacoustic / Sound Art
The Electroacoustic / Sound Art category is for works which utilise and manipulate digital and/or analogue sound as the primary medium. The work may be interdisciplinary (incorporating more than one media). It may include, but is not limited to; sonic art, electronics, interactive work, generative music, environmental sound, installations, soundscapes, electroacoustic music, and intermedia works.
A work is defined as a single complete musical composition, or expression. This includes music with movements or sub-works (i.e. song cycles), installations, and real-time compositions (improvised music).
If you believe your work to be nominated in the wrong category or the details of your nomination to be incorrect, please contact the AMC via email at awards@australianmusiccentre.com.au before proceeding with the nomination.
Art Music Award guidelines →
Nominee
Callum O'Reilly
Title of the work
Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple
Performer
ANAM
Performance Date
28/10/2024
Venue
Rosina Auditorium
Nominator Statement
I wish to nominate Callum O'Reilly's Dot Point Loop Ripple for "Work of the Year: Electro-acoustic/Sound Art", because it is, in crucial ways, a groundbreaking approach to electro-acoustic music. By blending elements of pop, dance, and electronic music techniques with acoustic art music, this work challenges preconceived barriers between these historically distinct genres. This work is not merely an experiment in fusion but a carefully constructed masterpiece that bridges dividesnot only between industries but between generations.
One psaarticular aspect is its ability to dissolve the rigid boundaries that traditionally separate classical and electronic music. Callum's combination of acoustic instruments and electronic textures/soundscapes/field recordings creates a sound-world that is exciting and fresh. By incorporating rhythmic and textural elements from electro-contemporary genres into an acoustic chamber setting, the work invites listeners from different musical backgrounds to engage with a contemporary art work that feels like it's from another world.
More works like this need to be made to expand our understanding of genre distinctions. The often artificial barriers between musical styles are naturally upheld by convention rather than necessity, and Dot Point Loop Ripple demonstrates that these divisions can be productively dismantled, or at least re-examined.
The implications of this approach extend beyond musical composition; it encourages performers, educators, and industry professionals to reconsider how music is categorised and distinguished. Callum's work is an important contribution to the ongoing evolution of music, proving that genre eclecticism is not only possible but artistically rewarding. It is truly a fantastic work that deserves all the recognition that it gets, and I implore you to consider it for "Work of the Year: Electro-acoustic/Sound Art".
Thank you very much!
Additional nominator statement:
Callum O'Reilly is a mentor and friend of mine, and after learning from him, it became clear that his compositional voice is unlike any other in the Australian Art Music scene. "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" is a quintessential example of this voice, and I wholeheartedly believe it is deserving of this award. From a technical standpoint, the digital production is incredibly colourful, the differing textures are evocative of the title, and the flute writing is class.
What ultimately sets this work apart is its general sonic direction. Callum unashamedly embraces hip-hop/R&B/EDM sensibilities in his work, which makes his music refreshingly modern, and in keeping with the musical zeitgeist today. However, said influences are incorporated in a tasteful and organic manner; I can assure you that "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" is an authentic fusion of several genres, not another misguided attempt at notated trap music.
I truly believe that what Callum is doing is pushing the envelope of what Art Music can be, and I think that "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" receiving an Art Music Award would be incredibly warranted.
Additional nominator statement:
This is an exhilarating piece of music, which sits in an exciting hybrid space bringing together electronic sound with acoustic instruments. The score weaves together the live and fixed elements seamlessly. It is tightly conceived and holds the listener firmly in its grasp throughout. It draws on minimalism and popular music influences while it's own distinct character shines through very clearly. Callums use of silence and repetition throughout, and his economic use of material, is particularly appealing.
Nominee
Callum O'Reilly
Title of the work
Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple
Performer
ANAM
Performance Date
28/10/2024
Venue
Rosina Auditorium
One psaarticular aspect is its ability to dissolve the rigid boundaries that traditionally separate classical and electronic music. Callum's combination of acoustic instruments and electronic textures/soundscapes/field recordings creates a sound-world that is exciting and fresh. By incorporating rhythmic and textural elements from electro-contemporary genres into an acoustic chamber setting, the work invites listeners from different musical backgrounds to engage with a contemporary art work that feels like it's from another world.
More works like this need to be made to expand our understanding of genre distinctions. The often artificial barriers between musical styles are naturally upheld by convention rather than necessity, and Dot Point Loop Ripple demonstrates that these divisions can be productively dismantled, or at least re-examined.
The implications of this approach extend beyond musical composition; it encourages performers, educators, and industry professionals to reconsider how music is categorised and distinguished. Callum's work is an important contribution to the ongoing evolution of music, proving that genre eclecticism is not only possible but artistically rewarding. It is truly a fantastic work that deserves all the recognition that it gets, and I implore you to consider it for "Work of the Year: Electro-acoustic/Sound Art".
Thank you very much!
Additional nominator statement:
Callum O'Reilly is a mentor and friend of mine, and after learning from him, it became clear that his compositional voice is unlike any other in the Australian Art Music scene. "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" is a quintessential example of this voice, and I wholeheartedly believe it is deserving of this award. From a technical standpoint, the digital production is incredibly colourful, the differing textures are evocative of the title, and the flute writing is class.
What ultimately sets this work apart is its general sonic direction. Callum unashamedly embraces hip-hop/R&B/EDM sensibilities in his work, which makes his music refreshingly modern, and in keeping with the musical zeitgeist today. However, said influences are incorporated in a tasteful and organic manner; I can assure you that "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" is an authentic fusion of several genres, not another misguided attempt at notated trap music.
I truly believe that what Callum is doing is pushing the envelope of what Art Music can be, and I think that "Dot, Point, Loop, Ripple" receiving an Art Music Award would be incredibly warranted.
Additional nominator statement:
This is an exhilarating piece of music, which sits in an exciting hybrid space bringing together electronic sound with acoustic instruments. The score weaves together the live and fixed elements seamlessly. It is tightly conceived and holds the listener firmly in its grasp throughout. It draws on minimalism and popular music influences while it's own distinct character shines through very clearly. Callums use of silence and repetition throughout, and his economic use of material, is particularly appealing.