King Midas Sound is Kevin Martin (The Bug) and vocalist Roger Robinson. They present their new album Solitude, a perfect match with the theme of Artefact 2020 : Alone Together. Solitude is a heartbreaking lament of a crumbling relationship and the unbearable sorrow of loneliness. Carried by Kevin Martin’s desolate dub and ambient landscape, the spoken word lamento of Robinson’s baritone sends shivers down your spine.

Swedish composer Maria W Horn manipulates time and space with sonic extremes. Repetitive patterns, long notes and strong visual and aural stimuli characterise her music, bringing the listener in a state of supreme concentration and mental isolation. Think of Caterina Barbieri or Kali Malone with a touch of black metal. In October she released the EP Epistasis, which she performs live with an AV show with immersive light design.

Opener of the night is Brussels based bass clarinet virtuoso Ben Bertrand. He adds loods and sound effects to his instrument, creating a delicate ambient universe reminiscent of the great Gavin Bryars.