Two of Italy's most innovative musical agitators, Vittorio Nistri and Filippo Panichi, have joined forces for the first time to create an ambitious self-titled album that challenges the rise of Artificial Intelligence in music. Slated for release on November 1st, 2024, via Snowdonia Dischi, the album is a mesmerizing blend of electronic, psychedelic, and progressive chamber music that defies genre boundaries.
About the Artists
Vittorio Nistri is a renowned keyboardist, electronic adventurer, and composer. As the founder of Deadburger Factory, he has been at the forefront of Italy's avant-rock scene, weaving together elements of RIO (Rock in Opposition), electronic music, krautrock, and songwriting. Nistri's collaborations span a range of experimental Italian artists, including Claudio Milano/Nickelodeon, Le Forbici di Manitù, St. Ride, and Maisie. He is also a pivotal figure in the psychedelic scene with his band Ossi.
Filippo Panichi began his musical journey as a guitarist but has since evolved into a free improvisation artist specializing in electroacoustic experimentation, encompassing ambient noise and drone music. Known for inventing and constructing unique instruments—such as electrified springs—and utilizing "found sounds" captured with custom-built ultrasound detectors, Panichi has self-produced numerous solo albums and is an accomplished videomaker.
The Collaboration
Their partnership began four years ago with an impromptu live radio streaming performance, setting the stage for this innovative project. The album represents a fusion of their diverse musical landscapes: Nistri's avant-rock and psychedelic sensibilities meet Panichi's free improvisation and ambient explorations. The result is a testament to the beauty of diversity and the power of human creativity.
A Stand Against Artificial Intelligence
In an era where Artificial Intelligence increasingly permeates the arts, Nistri and Panichi present a heartfelt argument for the irreplaceable value of human touch in music. The album is entirely handcrafted, featuring electronic sounds generated by unconventional instruments like electronic toys, unique synthesizers, electrified springs, and ultrasound detectors. This analogue, anarchic, and improvised soundscape is enriched by orchestral arrangements performed by a string and brass ensemble of esteemed Italian musicians.
Artistic Presentation
The album's visual elements are as thoughtfully crafted as its music. The cover art, designed by Beppe Stasi and graphic designer Gabriele Menconi, delves into the intricate worlds found within a few centimeters of a painting, emphasizing the theme of human nuance in art. Panichi's videography further complements the album's aesthetic, providing a multi-sensory experience.
Album Details
- Title: Vittorio Nistri - Filippo Panichi
- Label: Snowdonia Dischi
- Release Date: November 1st, 2024
- Formats: Double Vinyl (recorded on three sides) and Three-Fold Digipak CD, both including a booklet conceived as an art book and a digital download coupon.
- Total Tracks: 9
- Total Length: 49:28 minutes
Tracklist
Il Faro di Schrödinger
La Risacca dell’Alba
Maya Deren Blues
Pipistrelli sul Frigorifero
Segreti
Sheriff in Tiraspol
La Costante Elastica
Giulietta Sotto Spirito
Prove Tecniche di Solitudine
Tracks composed by Nistri, except tracks 1, 2, and 4 by Panichi-Nistri.
Personnel
- Vittorio Nistri: Synths, keyboards, samples, orchestral arrangements, filtering, production
- Filippo Panichi: Guitars, self-made instruments, ultrasound detector, synths, field recordings
- Silvia Bolognesi: Double bass (Tracks 2, 3, 6, 7)
- Enrico Gabrielli: Clarinet, saxophone (Tracks 3, 6, 7, 8)
- Edoardo Baldini: Trombone (Tracks 6, 7, 8)
- Giulia Nuti: Viola (Tracks 2, 6, 7, 9)
- Pietro Horvath: Cello (Tracks 2, 7, 9)
Experience the Human Touch in Music
"Vittorio Nistri - Filippo Panichi" is more than an album; it's a manifesto for the human spirit in the digital age. It's a call to appreciate the flesh, blood, hearts, and nerves that go into creating art—an endeavor that no algorithm can replicate.
"Vittorio Nistri - Filippo Panichi"
Electronic-Psychedelic-Progressive Chamber Music Out November 1st, 2024, on Snowdonia Dischi
Available on Double Vinyl and CD
