Signal Path: Zoë Mc Pherson on mangling sound and multimedia collaboration

Signal Path is a series that delves into the creative processes of artists at the cutting edge of electronic music and sound design. In this episode, FACT travels to Berlin to meet Zoë Mc Pherson, a producer, sound designer, live performer and DJ whose new album States of Fugue is a thrilling collection of “fucked up rhythms” made from mangled audio and field recordings. As well as creating music for adventurous dancefloors, Mc Pherson is a multimedia artist interested in bridging the worlds of sound and visual art. In 2018, she released an AV album, String Figures, created with frequent collaborator, visual artist and director Alessandra Leone. States of Fugue also marks the first release for Mc Pherson and Leone’s new “hybrid label”, SFX, which has bold plans outside of releasing records including an open call for collaboration – a project called Xquisite Force. Prior to the release of States of Fugue, FACT met up with Mc Pherson to find out how she found her unique sound, the future of audiovisual art, how she works in collaboration with Leone and more. Credits: Producer: Scott Wilson Director and editor: Pedro Küster Soundtrack: Zoë Mc Pherson Zoë Mc Pherson & Alessandra Leone 360° AV live courtesy of Uncloud Filmed by Dave Mech and Alessandra Leone Zoe Mc Pherson live video courtesy of Mutabor, Moscow Filmed by Acoustic Treatment ‘Tenace’ video courtesy of artist Director: Alessandra Leone Director of Photography: Julian Moser Performed by Zoë Mc Pherson Costume: Raki Fernandez Make-up: Samantha Pottmaier Lighting design: Nindya Nareswari and Gaffer Hendrik Kintscher String Figures videos courtesy of artist Concept, artistic and music direction: Zoë Mc Pherson Director and editor: Alessandra Leone 3D animation: Andreas Barden, Andreas Martini, Moritz Reichartz Production: Silvia Procopio Director of photography: Julian Moser Focus Puller: Nils Koppenbrink Costumes and accessories: Raki Fernandez, Benu Berlin, Siff Pristed Prop Designer: Terril Scott MuA: Nóra Belovai Hairstylist: Krisztiàn Berki Choreography: Hen Dancers: Hen, Ichi Go Colour grading: Lutz Forster Set photography: Dario Jacopo Laganà