Birth of an idea

Mostly Robot is set to deliver one of the most unique events of the Sónar by Day program - five well-known musicians - each celebrated in their own field - join forces alongside innovative visual artists for a world premiere performance. Conceived by Native Instruments, Mostly Robot will utilize an advanced array on NI hardware and software, pioneering a creative interplay between technology and cutting-edge artists from diverse musical backgrounds.

Unique creativity

Mostly Robot is a real band, made up of exceptional artists: Jamie Lidell, Tim Exile, Jeremy Ellis, Mr Jimmy and DJ Shiftee. Truly "live', each musician plays independently of each other - instruments are synced only by the human element, with no MIDI clock or prepared grid obstructing their creativity. Placing themselves in the tradition of inspiring jazz concerts, Mostly Robot draw their magic from bringing highly skilled individuals together, creating a unique momentum. What's more, the Sónar showcase is a rare moment to catch a glimpse of yet unreleased song material from individual band members.

Visual Alchemy

The music will be accompanied by an inventive visual concept from Berlin's extraordinary design collective Pfadfinderei. Using the note events, controller data and audio material created by the playing of their instruments, visual elements are developed in real time on screen - allowing the audience to follow the virtuosity of each musician and made possible by advanced Native Instruments' technology.

The Artists

Jamie Lidell / Frontman & Singer
Soul explorer and innovator of electronic live performances Jamie Lidell uses his voice as his main instrument plus MASCHINE to fire off samples and synth sounds.
http://jamielidell.com

DJ Shiftee / Cuts & Turntablism
New York's 2x DMC World Champ and Harvard degree holder DJ Shiftee brings the next level scratches and cuts- and will also perform his infamous routines on his TRAKTOR setup.
http://djshiftee.com/about/

Tim Exile / Effects & Sound Mangling
Warp recording artist Tim Exile is renowned for his highly creative, improvisational live performances. He'll use his custom-made REAKTOR set-up to record audio loops from his co-musicians and mangle them on the fly. 
http://www.timexile.tv

Mr Jimmy / Harmonies & Keys
Mr Jimmy, keyboarder of Jamie Lidell's band, will act as the harmonic lynchpin for Mostly Robot using his self-programmed FM8 patches and other fresh sounds from KOMPLETE.
http://Mrjimmyfromearth.bandcamp.com

Jeremy Ellis / Finger-drumming & Percussion
Detroit's Jeremy Ellis is a finger-drumming virtuoso - as witnessed on his legendary MASCHINE videos. On stage, Jeremy's the rhythmical mastermind adding drums and percussion and also performing his astonishing solo routines.
http://jeremyellismusic.com

Pfadfinderei / Visuals
A stunning live visual concept has been created by Pfadfinderei, the Berlin-based designer collective that specialize in cutting-edge visual alchemy. Responsible for the visual shows of Moderat, Modeselektor and Paul Kalkbrenner.
http://www.pfadfinderei.com