Michael Santos
Michael Santos is a London-based electronic musician. He uses audio software to carve out textured hazes of sound, layering them to build dynamic song structures. While his earlier work utilised occasional field recordings, his recent material is purely digital, and is defined by the process by which it has been created. Rather than eschewing accidental static and hiss that often accompanies sound manipulation, Santos integrates it into his sound, as such serving to complement his digital harmonics.
The melodic elements of Michael Santos’s music are predominantly generated by guitars and sine waves, though are barely recognisable after reworking. Structurally, Santos’s music is impulsive — sometimes minimal and succinct while at others bustling with activity. Chord progressions are central, utilised to sustain changeable themes within each individual piece, often flowing into one another. His approach is that of a musician, rather than an experimental sound artist.
After releasing “Matters” (2006) and “Soft Pocket” (2007) on Benbecula and U-Cover, respectively, Santos agreed to release his third full-length, “The Happy Error”, on Baskaru. “The Happy Error” was released in August of 2008. Over the next year, Michael recorded ‘Memory Maker’ for the UK / Japan label Home Normal, releasing in April 2010. Over the years, he has also contributed to compilations curated by such labels as Benbecula, Miso and Audiobulb, and has had tracks appear on two Rare Frequency podcasts. He has also performed live laptop sets at events promoted by Pollen in Leeds, Sprawl, Immersion and Home Normal in London, and Contact in Peterborough.
