Wonder Valley Experimental Festival 16 – Live Performance Video & Highlights
Wonder Valley Experimental Festival 16
Earlier this Summer, I had the privilege of performing at the Wonder Valley Experimental Festival, an annual gathering celebrating adventurous sounds and creative expression in California’s striking desert setting. This year marked the festival's 16th installment, and it was an unforgettable experience to share music in such a surreal, open landscape.
Below are some highlights captured beautifully by Amy McNally, showcasing moments from my set as well as glimpses of the atmosphere and performances from this vibrant event.
The Setting:
Nestled in the Wonder Valley area, this festival celebrates experimental sound art and music in the stark beauty of the Mojave Desert. The dry air, expansive skies, and towering rock formations create a natural amphitheater that feels tailor-made for deep listening and boundary-pushing soundscapes.
My Performance:
For this festival, I crafted a set inspired by the vast desert environment, integrating my data sonification technique to bring the natural world into the music. Using PlantWave, I sourced biodata frequencies from a living Bromeliad flower and wove them into the soundscape. These natural rhythms were layered with flute, synthesizer, and ambient textures, creating a long-form sonic journey. Drawing from my recent work, Yucca Music, the performance explored the delicate interplay between arid landscapes, living systems, and human expression—a meditative tribute to the desert's quiet vitality.
Amy McNally’s photos capture the essence of the evening, from the warm glow of sunset to the cool desert night.
Festival Vibes:
The Wonder Valley Experimental Festival isn’t just about music; it’s about connection. The weekend brought together a vibrant mix of artists, musicians, and listeners, all celebrating the unconventional and the exploratory. The atmosphere was electric yet grounding—an experience only the desert can provide.
Special Thanks:
A huge thank you to Amy McNally for capturing these moments, and to the festival organizers for fostering such an incredible space for creativity.
Stay Connected:
📩 Join my newsletter for updates on upcoming performances and projects: Sign Up Here
🎵 Follow on socials for more photos and music clips from the festival: BlueSky | YouTube
🎧 Hint: New music inspired by this performance may find its way onto an upcoming release—stay tuned!
