If you were at the concert by my band mockART in September last year, you already know that traffic || jammed was a very specific moment. If you read my report about the evening shortly after, you might remember how intense and concentrated the atmosphere was that night at Atelierhaus Orber Straße, during the Rush Hour Kulturfestival.

traffic || jammed – The Album

What I am happy to share now is that the music from that evening has been released.
traffic || jammed, the album, is out now on CD and in digital form.

All the pieces were written specifically for that concert. We did not take existing material to the stage but instead developed a complete program around the idea of rush hour and the people who create it, intentionally or not. Drivers, pedestrians, systems, habits, blockages. Playing this music live, in that space and in front of that audience, was an essential part of shaping it. At the same time, it always felt like more than a one-off performance.

The concert was recorded by Jörg See, and over the following months I worked carefully on the mix and master. The goal was not to document a concert for nostalgia’s sake, but to shape the material into an album that holds together on its own, even if you were not there that evening. The energy, tension and physicality of the performance were important to preserve, while still allowing the music to breathe as a listening experience.

The CD edition also includes two bonus tracks, La Bête Noire and Kör Adamın Gazeli, which we played as encores. Both tracks were previously released digitally as the single La Bête Noire (Alive).

Limited CDr with two bonus tracks in an exclusive cardboard sleeve.

If you were at the concert, this release might bring you back to that evening. If you were not, this is a good chance to experience what we were working towards.

Thank you for listening and for staying with the music beyond the moment it was played.

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This release marks the continuation of an idea that first emerged after mockART invited a number of artists to remix our album views || interrupted. Back then, we were amazed at how far the contributions went—not just in terms of sound design, but in how they expanded and redefined the original tracks. Many of those remixes stood entirely on their own, as independent works with distinct identities.

That experience left us curious: what would happen if multiple artists were given the same track to work with? Would they follow similar paths or diverge completely? Could one track generate an entire ecosystem of variations?

We selected La Bête Noire—a piece that has become something of a mockART staple over the years—as the nucleus of this experiment. With its hypnotic structure and eerie atmosphere, it felt like fertile ground for interpretation. We handed the track to several collaborators, inviting them to rework, remix, or completely deconstruct it in any way they wished.

The results surprised even us.

Each artist brought something entirely personal to the piece. Some explored its darker impulses, while others pulled unexpected rhythmic or harmonic threads to the foreground. A few took the material into entirely new sonic territories—sometimes to the edge of recognisability. What ties the tracks together is not their similarity, but the way they all circle around the same core presence: the “black beast.”

It was only natural to begin thinking of the remixes as chapters—fragments of a nonlinear narrative, told in many voices. Together, they form what we now call “the complete story” of La Bête Noire. To bookend that story, we included the original studio version of the track, along with a live version recorded last year at the Rush Hour Kulturfestival, organised by the Heussenstamm Stiftung. That live performance captured something raw and immediate, and it felt like the right way to close the loop.

Visually, the album cover offers its own take on the beast. The artwork—created by me—shows the eye of La Bête Noire, and within the iris, a haunting reflection: a woman running away. Whether she’s escaping or being hunted, we don’t know. The image captures something central to the music itself—a sense of ambiguity, of motion, of being watched and haunted at once.

For those who’d like to carry a part of La Bête Noire with them, we’ve also created a small line of merchandise, featuring elements of the artwork on t-shirts, pins, bags, and more. Just click on the images and you will learn more.

In the end, this album is a celebration of artistic transformation—of what happens when a piece of music is opened up to reinterpretation and allowed to evolve freely. We’re grateful to the artists who took part, and excited to finally share the full story with you.

Thanks for listening—and for following the beast this far.

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Today, we released La Bête Noire (Alive), a live recording captured during our performance on September 8, 2024, at Atelierhaus Orber Straße in Frankfurt. That night, mockART was Christoph Dorner, Ümit Kaya, and myself.

The recording includes the live version of La Bête Noire as well as Kör Adamın Gazeli, a track from Men Who Lost Their Heads that we also performed that

evening. While it has nothing to do with the Beast, it shares the same stage and spirit — so it made sense to include it.

The single is now available on all major streaming platforms and as a download.

We also created a video for La Bête Noire (Alive) using smartphone footage from the show. The video quality wasn’t great, so I decided to lean into the chaos — having the Beast itself tear through the footage from time to time. In the dense smoke on the stage, I completely vanish. Ümit appears briefly at the beginning, and Christoph is mostly visible throughout the clip.

This track is just the beginning. La Bête Noire (Alive) will also be featured on the upcoming remix album, which drops June 20, 2025 — an entire release dedicated to remixes of this ever-mutating piece.

And there’s still more to come. We recorded the full live set that night, and it’s currently in rough mix. With a few more finishing touches, we plan to release the full performance later this year, most likely in autumn.

For now, enjoy this glimpse of the Beast — alive, untamed, and very much on the prowl.

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Speaking of mockART, I’m pleased to share some exciting news: we have just released a brand-new album, He Staggered Across The Floor. This project emerged from an experimental process where we manipulated flute melodies through layers of effect loops, continuously feeding the transformed sounds back into the system.

The result is a striking departure from our previous works as a duo—leaning towards minimal noise, rich in texture and atmosphere.

Cover Artwork by Sonja Ackermann

The album is available for streaming and download, but for those who appreciate physical releases, we’ve created something truly special. The CD edition is more than just music – it’s a work of art. Each copy comes with a unique, hand-painted cover by Sonja Ackermann, with whom I previously collaborated on an exhibition. She also designed the artwork for the limited edition of our album Men Who Lost Their Heads.

Download and Streaming Links

Beyond this release, we are currently working on the audio recording of our live performance, which we hope to release this spring. Additionally, we are continuing to develop an album featuring remixes of La Bête Noire.

On a different note, I recently mastered the album Fluid Noumena by The Given Ghost – a fascinating blend of melodies, soundscapes, and field recordings. If you’re interested in experimental music, it’s well worth a listen.

There’s plenty more in the works, so stay tuned!

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Make Next Year Your “Year of the Gods”

The calendar features striking depictions of lesser-known gods from Greek mythology, reimagined as if they walked among us today. From the radiant god of the sun to the enigmatic goddess of the night, these images invite you to reconsider ancient deities in a modern context. You’ll encounter the gods of the four cardinal winds, imagine the role of the god of wealth in our world, and reflect on what the goddess of discord might stir up today.

Ever wondered about the primordial forces of the universe or the essence of mockery and criticism? These figures leap from myth into vivid, printed form, ready to guide you through the year. Whether as a source of inspiration or a conversation starter, the calendar offers a fresh way to engage with mythology and art.

Musical Horizons: A Compilation That Breaks the Rules

In the realm of music, I’ve recently mastered a compilation album titled Justification of Major. This project began as an experiment in a musical community known for pushing boundaries. The premise? Challenge the “non grata” status of the major triad in experimental and ambient music. Musicians were tasked with creating slow-tempo pieces, infused with a major tonal bias, while staying true to the community’s exploratory spirit.

The result is an album that raises more questions than answers. Does the major key’s inherent optimism create a sense of healing and hope, or does it risk losing depth and complexity? Can slow tempos and major chords evoke serenity without becoming overly functional or simplistic?

This compilation invites listeners to meditate on these questions while enjoying an immersive soundscape. Each track offers surprises and new layers, ensuring the experience evolves with every listen.

mockART: New Tracks and Upcoming Releases

Exciting things are also happening with mockART, my experimental music project. We’ve released the latest chapter in our La Bête Noire series. This time, the titular beast roams the city in search of food, culminating in a feast. The release includes two compelling remixes: the title track by Baco_Giovanni Cristino, a longtime collaborator, and another by Senglar, whose reinterpretation adds a fresh dynamic.

You can stream the tracks on your favourite platforms or watch the accompanying video for La Bête Noire cherche de la nourriture.

Additionally, our track The Wind is Still Whispering has been included in the massive download compilation with 100! Tracks of Experimental Music. It’s a treasure trove for anyone eager to dive deep into the world of experimental sound.

As for our live performance recordings? Mixing and mastering are underway. We aim to release a live album next year, offering a chance to experience mockART in its raw, unfiltered form.

Reflections and New Directions

This year has been a whirlwind of creativity, from immortalising gods to collaborating with musicians across genres. As I shift focus, I’m reminded that art, like life, is about evolution—balancing the old and the new, the familiar and the experimental.

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We did it. We played our first concert. My band, mockART, finally took the stage.

Our performance, traffic || jammed, was part of the Rush Hour Kulturfestival, organised by the Heussenstamm Stiftung. The theme was traffic, so we crafted an exclusive set around the sounds of urban life. We composed pieces that captured the essence of cars, bicycles, pedestrians, trains, and even the underground – giving each a musical identity within the chaos of rush hour.

The Sounds of the Rush Hour

We wanted to push the concept further, so we incorporated real-world sounds from traffic, sampling noises and even building instruments from car parts. A bicycle became an instrument in its own right. Alongside these unconventional sounds, Christoph played the flute, while I handled guitar and electronics. We were also joined by a special guest: Ümit Kaya, who played the saz and added his evocative vocals. You might know Ümit from our track Kör Adamın Gazeli on the album Men Who Lost Their Heads. From the outset, we hoped he’d join us for the live version, and when he came to our rehearsals, he began to play along with the new material we’d composed specifically for this performance. Before long, he was fully integrated into the show.

Our rehearsals went smoothly – until the final one, which was a complete disaster. My effects pedals started malfunctioning, and Christoph faced issues with his equipment too. Frustrated, we decided to call it a day, only to be trapped by a sudden thunderstorm with torrential rain. With no food or drink, we waited it out in the rehearsal space until we could finally ride our bikes home, drenched but determined. I was worried that something might go wrong during the actual performance. Thankfully, my fears were unfounded – everything went off without a hitch.

The Day of the Performance

The team at the factory hall where we performed had set up the space beautifully, even placing a car on stage as we’d envisioned. The audio and lighting crew were fantastic, helping to create the perfect atmosphere for each piece, with carefully crafted lighting and stage fog to match the mood of each track.

The new songs we wrote specifically for the show were the heart of the set. They came alive in a way I hadn’t anticipated, flowing effortlessly as we responded intuitively to each other’s cues. The chemistry between us felt just right.

For the encore, we revisited La Bête Noire from Reflux Ux Bisou – which, I suppose, has become something of a mockART classic. Our final track was Kör Adamın Gazeli, and some in the audience told me afterwards that the live version gave them goosebumps – a high compliment indeed.

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook, you may have already seen a few snapshots from the show. I’ve put together a selection of the best photos taken by Christian Rocas for you to enjoy:

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As I prepare for the upcoming live performance with mockART, I find myself reflecting on the journey that’s brought us here. Music has always been a medium through which we explore, experiment, and push boundaries. This time, we’re diving into the heart of the city, capturing the chaotic pulse of urban life in our latest project, traffic || jammed.

Event Details:

• Date: September 8, 2024
• Time: 19:00
• Location: Atelierhaus Orber Straße, Orber Straße 24, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
• Admission: Free – donations appreciated

When the Heussenstamm Stiftung invited us to be part of the Rush Hour Kulturfestival, we knew we had to take on the challenge. The idea of interpreting the rush hour on Frankfurt’s Hanauer Landstraße through sound was immediately compelling. This stretch of road is a microcosm of urban life, where cars, bikes, buses, trams, and pedestrians collide in a symphony of movement and noise. It’s complex, it’s chaotic, and it’s the perfect canvas for what we do.

For this performance, we’re transforming the everyday sounds of traffic – honking horns, screeching brakes, the hum of engines – into a rich sonic landscape. We’re using manipulated samples of these sounds, blending them with flute, guitar, and electronics to create something entirely new. What excites me most are the custom-built instruments we’ve crafted from materials related to traffic. These add a tactile element to the performance, connecting the music directly to the urban environment we’re exploring.

But traffic || jammed isn’t just about sound. We’re incorporating light and video art to create a fully immersive experience. The industrial space at Atelierhaus Orber Straße, right off Hanauer Landstraße, is the perfect venue for this. The raw, expansive environment will allow us to layer our performance with visuals that mirror the intensity and rhythm of the city.

As I’m working on this project, I’m also excited to introduce our latest single, La Bête Noire rôde dans la ville, remixed by Urhixidur, and La Bête Noire danse, remixed by Ubaldo. These tracks mark the next chapter in the La Bête Noire saga. While the beast has left its grotto, these remixes capture its newfound freedom as it roams the city and hits the dance floor. Both tracks showcase the power of collaboration, something that remains at the core of mockART’s philosophy.

In many ways, this single and the upcoming performance are connected. Both explore themes of movement, transition, and the collision of different elements – whether it’s the beast navigating the city or us untangling the rush hour chaos through music. As we move forward, I’m reminded of how important it is to embrace the unexpected, to find beauty in the noise, and to keep pushing the boundaries of what music can be.

I hope you’ll join us on September 8th for what promises to be an unforgettable evening. traffic || jammed is more than just a performance; it’s an exploration, an experiment, and a celebration of the urban symphony that surrounds us every day. And, of course, stay tuned for more releases as we continue to unravel the story of La Bête Noire.

Roam the city with La Bête Noire

The Rush Hour Kulturfestival is sponsored by Drees & Sommer. Additional sponsors are: Horst-Haas-und-Irene-Haas-Scheuermann-Stiftung, Kulturamt Frankfurt, Stabstelle Stadtmarketing Frankfurt, Stiftung Polytechnische Gesellschaft Frankfurt

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Reflecting on the evolution of my music project, mockART, I’m reminded of the profound changes that have shaped the landscape of collaboration. Back in the day, when MySpace reigned supreme as the go-to network for musicians, connections flowed effortlessly, paving the way for numerous collaborations.

The Birth of the Black Beast

It was during this era that I composed and recorded La Bête Noire, a track that found its place on mockART’s inaugural album, Reflux Ux Bisou. Fast forward to today, and the dynamics of collaboration have shifted. In a world where connectivity isn’t as readily available, the pursuit of collaborative ventures remains a cornerstone of mockART’s ethos.

For me, collaboration isn’t just about merging sounds; it’s about embracing diverse perspectives and enriching the musical journey. However, in an age where self-interest often takes precedence, finding like-minded collaborators can be a challenge. Yet, amidst the sea of hesitancy, there are shining exceptions.

Becoming a Duo

One such exception occurred when mockART welcomed Christoph Dorner, a classically trained flutist, into the fold. Our musical backgrounds couldn’t have been more different, and initially, finding common ground posed a challenge. Yet, through experimentation and open-mindedness, we discovered a harmonious blend of our contrasting styles, propelling mockART into uncharted territories.

Our commitment to collaboration bore fruit with the release of our joint album, Men Who Lost Their Heads, featuring guest vocalists whose contributions breathed new life into our compositions. As we ventured into our second collaborative endeavour, views | Interrupted, we chose to embark on a different path, handling the recording process ourselves.

However, the question lingered: How would our tracks have evolved if we had enlisted the aid of other artists? Thus, the concept of inviting musicians to remix our album was born. The results were astounding, breathing fresh vitality into our music and paving the way for new sonic explorations.

The Story of the Beast Unfolds

This brings us to the present, where we find ourselves on the cusp of releasing our latest project – an album featuring remixes of La Bête Noire. As we eagerly await the final contributions, we’ve decided to unveil two tracks as a teaser of what’s to come.

The first track, remixed by Pharmakustik, delves into the realms of audioclinical investigation and sound-research, offering a mesmerising sonic journey. On the “B-Side,” Baco_Giovanni Cristino infuses his unique perspective as an independent toxic pianist, creating a captivating rendition that defies convention.

With each new version, we’re reminded of the power of collaboration to transform and transcend boundaries. As we anticipate the release of our album this autumn, we invite you to join us on this exhilarating musical odyssey.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to explore new horizons and push the boundaries of creativity with mockART.

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As I strolled through the rain-drenched streets of Soroca, Moldova, my gaze lingered across the Dnister River, where the shores of Ukraine beckoned. It was a fleeting moment, but one that left an indelible impression. I watched the small ferry boats shuttling between the two countries, a tangible reminder of the divide that separated them. Yet, despite the allure, I was informed that crossing the river required navigating official checkpoints – an encounter that would have to wait.

Fast forward to 2017, during a journey through Poland, I found myself within reach of the Ukrainian border once more. Without hesitation, I seized the opportunity to explore Lviv – a city pulsating with vitality and creative energy. Yet, amidst the vibrant facade, I couldn’t ignore the haunting presence of men who traversed the streets with an air of detachment. Their silent anguish spoke volumes, a testament to the ongoing conflict that ravaged Eastern Ukraine in the shadow of the Russo-Ukrainian war.

Collaborating with Ukrainian Poets

When Dmitry Postovalov extended an invitation for mockART to participate in the Blue and Yellow Through Black and Gray project, Christoph and I embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly. Conceived as a collaboration between Ukrainian poets and international musicians, the project sought to intertwine the realms of poetry and music, crafting a narrative that reflected upon the stark realities of war in Ukraine. Penned during the initial throes of conflict, the poems of the twelve contributing authors offer glimpses into a world besieged by turmoil. While not explicitly addressing the war, its spectre looms large, infusing each verse with a sense of poignancy and resilience.

Joining forces with fifteen musicians from across the globe, we embarked on a creative odyssey — one that gave rise to a musical landscape both introspective and discordant. In the lyrical tapestry woven by Maksym Churkov, we found kindred spirits — travellers navigating the vast expanse of poetic imagination. His poem Tænæt served as our guiding light, inspiring us to explore new sonic horizons and reimagine reality through sound.

In tandem with crafting the music, I undertook the task of creating lyric videos—a visual companion to the auditory journey. Infusing static photographs with dynamic animations, I endeavoured to breathe life into the imagery, ensuring that the text transcended its role as mere subtitles.

A Beacon of Hope

As the project took shape, it became evident that our collective efforts were more than just a creative endeavour. They were a testament to the resilience of the human spirit—a beacon of hope amidst the darkness of conflict. Published by Syrphe and presented by AEMC, the Blue and Yellow Through Black and Gray project stands as a testament to the transformative power of art. It serves as a reminder that, in times of uncertainty, we have the capacity to unite, transcending language and borders to weave a tapestry of hope.

As you embark on this journey through the realms of poetry and music, know that your support carries profound significance. With every purchase of the album, you are contributing to the healing and restoration of lives affected by conflict. Together, let us weave a tapestry of hope, painting the world with hues of blue and yellow amidst the black and gray.

Track List:

1. Sterion Music – Peredmova 02:09
2. Medicine Lake – The Braille Stars (feat. Olena Halunets) 04:25
3. Toto Tobass – Alone with the Demon (feat. Anastasiiith) 04:12
4. Jennifer Howd – The Bullet (feat. Ada Yelagina) 01:38
5. Fedir Tkachov – Our House (feat. Stepan Penkaliuk) 02:53
6. James Schlesselman – Rapids of Hunger (feat. Snig na Golovu) 04:49
7. Whispered – Evening Glow Milk (feat. Oleh Ladyzhensky) 03:31
8. Paul Soto – Perepochynok (All Remain Silent) 03:21
9. mockART – Tænæt (feat. Maksym Churkov) 04:58
10. Givun – We Were Men in Black (feat. Vlad Kovbasiuk) 02:43
11. Bayun the Cat – The Temple (feat. Mira Malska) 06:13
12. Mark Daelmans-Sikkel & Paulien Dirkzwager – This Passionate Pleasure (feat. Tetiana Osipenko) 05:07
13. Alex Richardson – Renaissance (feat. Holosy) 05:20
14. Guy Richardson – Dreaming of You Again (feat. Maria Chekariova) 05:43
15. Phil Durrant – Pislyamova 04:10

The poems were written between February 2022, and February 2023.
The music was composed and recorded between February and July 2023.

All profits from album sales will be donated to the Military Medical Clinical Center of the Northern Region, located in Kharkiv, Ukraine. 

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Your views have been interrupted. Now they are remixed.

The new mockART album is out

As you know, I also make music and finally I have released a new album with my band mockART. The album is called views | remixed and if this name sounds familiar to you, well, it probably is. You might remember that last year I had some pictures in an exhibition called views | interrupted. For that exhibition I also composed and recorded a soundtrack with mockART. You might also remember that I let you peak through the window.

As Christoph and I recorded the album all by ourselves and therefore we thought it would be interesting to see what other musicians would make of these tracks. Whispered, Medicine Lake, Urhixidur and Morteza Jahangiri all agreed to rework tracks of the original album and we were really amazed by the results. It was more than just remixes. The result was entirely new tracks. You can listen to the results on Spotify, iTunes, Amazon and other streaming platforms. And we also offer the album as a free download on Bandcamp. As some of you might not have heard the original album, you can also download views | interrupted for free for a limited period of time.

The theme of remixing things goes through the whole project. We also released three videos for the project. They are all animated versions of pictures that were in the original exhibition (and that you have seen here as well). So I sort of remixed my own pictures.

The same goes for the cover image. It is a remix of all of my pictures that were in the exhibition.

So I hope you enjoy our little remix project that involves several media types.

Click here to find more information about views | remixed.

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