ACCA’s Eclectic Autumn of Music

ACCA’s Eclectic Autumn of Music

With a growing reputation for ‘snaffling electronic music big hitters’ (Brighton Source) and carefully curating a thought-provoking programme of innovative artists, ACCA’s season announcements always comprise some unexpected treats.

Here’s what the creative arts centre, on the University of Sussex campus has in store this autumn…

On 2 November, French electronic and ambient musician and composer Cécile Schott aka Colleen kicks off the season with an evening of electronic explorations and instrumental soundscapes – co-presented by ACCA and Spirit of Gravity. Colleen’s growing passion for synthesis, bolstered by her collaborations with synth manufacturer Moog, resulted in her eighth album Le jour et la nuit du réel, released on Thrill Jockey in 2023. She is supported by Brighton-based French-Swedish musician, composer and sound artist Johanna Bramli.

Hailed as ‘one of underground music's consistently brilliant anomalies’ (Pitchfork) Californian experimental rock band Xiu Xiu (Angela Seo and Jamie Stewart) perform on Thursday 25 November. The duo’s intense blend of post punk, synthpop and alternative folk accompanies emotionally honest narratives of personal life stories and world events. Support artist I Am Fya’s ACCA performance marks the official launch of her new album, released on Brighton’s own Rose Hill Records.

At Scanner: Harry Smith at 100 on Friday 15 November, Robin Rimbaud AKA Scanner celebrates the 100th anniversary of Harry Smith’s birth by performing live scores to a wide selection of his films. Harry Smith was a great American eccentric, an experimental filmmaker, musicologist, graphic designer, bohemian, anthropologist and collector of found objects and sounds. This project is presented in association with Spirit of Gravity as part of CINECITY, Brighton’s film festival (the 22^nd edition of the festival runs from 8-17 November 2024).

Moonchild Sanelly’s signature sound is self-described as ‘future ghetto-funk’ and her electrifying live show includes flamboyant outfits and choreography. A superstar in her native South Africa she has performed around the world, including memorable sets at SXSW and Glastonbury, and collaborated with international superstars, including Self Esteem, Beyonce and Gorillaz. She performs live at ACCA on Monday 18 November.

As a complete contrast, performing on Saturday 30 November is ‘nature’s songwriter’ (The Guardian) Erland Cooper. The composer, producer and multi-instrumentalist, originally from Orkney, combines field recordings with traditional orchestration and contemporary electronic elements. In ‘Carve the Runes Then be Content with Silence’ he performs the score from the master tape of his first classical album that he famously buried, leaving a treasure hunt of clues for fans to find. 

See the full programme and book tickets at www.attenboroughcentre.com

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