Jad Atoui, a Beirut-based sound artist and improviser, explores various sonic creative practices including live performance, composition, installations, and workshops. His focus on electronic and electro-acoustic music is shaped by his experiences in New York’s avant-garde scene, where he acquired improvisational techniques while working at The Stone and The Guggenheim Museum.
He has worked and performed alongside musicians such as John Zorn, Laurie Anderson, Pauline Oliveros, and Robert Aiki Aubrey Lowe. Atoui has created commissioned sound compositions for ensembles and institutions such as Yarn/Wire, Distractfold Ensemble, and The Riyadh Biennial.
Beyond performance and composition, Atoui is dedicated to amplifying material and creating instruments within the realms of installation art, commissioned compositions, and educational workshops. His work has been featured at institutions including E-flux, Cafe Oto, Flag Foundation, Sharjah Art Foundation, The Stone, and Beirut Art Center.
Additionally, Atoui has released music both solo and with artists such as Anthony Sahyoun in the duo “NP”, Jawad Nawfal, Chuck Bettis, Sharif Sehnaoui, the Kinematic Ensemble, and a trio with Anthony Sahyoun and Sandy Chammoun, who are preparing to release their debut album.
On Sunday, 23rd March 2025, Yarn/Wire (Sarah Davachi, Jad Atoui, Clara Iannotta and Catherine Lamb) will perform Jad Atoui’s music at this years MaerzMusik festival.
FACTS
1. From Lebanon
2. Born in Beirut, lived in NY and spends lot of time working in Paris
3. Outcome: metric system supporter
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
My music is inspired by the textures of the world, biological systems, memory, and how sound interacts with space. I draw from nature, technology, improvisation, and personal experiences.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I started experimenting with sound at 14, initially drawn to noise, ambient music, and breakcore. Over time, my approach evolved to include electroacoustic techniques, live processing, and improvisation, collaborating with musicians from various backgrounds.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
That’s always changing, but some that have stayed with me are:
Autechre – Confield
Aphex Twin – Drukqs
Second Women – Second Women
Pauline Oliveros – Deep listening
Fennesz – Venice 20
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Modular synths, experimental club culture, and smoky bars.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
There’s no one spot, but anywhere by the mountains.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
I’d probably be working with technology in some way or maybe drawing.
7. What was the last record/music you bought or listen?
Probably something from a friend or an independent label. I think it’s Snakeskin’s latest release.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
I already collaborate with some of my favorite people, but in a dream scenario, it would be Arvo Pärt or Muslimgauze if he were still around.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
It’s hard to pick, but the best gigs are when everything clicks, sound, space, and energy align, especially when performing with collaborators like Anthony Sahyoun. As a spectator, one of my favorites was Thomas Ankersmit, the sonic experience was mind blowing.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Technology is central. I work with modified hard drives, modular synths, and coding software. It’s not just a tool, it’s part of the instrument itself, though I always leave room for spontaneity and raw human input.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
Yes, my brother Tarek Atoui played a huge role in shaping my ears, he introduced me to so much music early on and got me to hear the good stuff. My other brother was also a musician when he was younger, but now he’s a coder working on music related projects. They’ve both influenced my path in different ways, and they’re supportive of what I do.
