Throughout our history, Decibel has explored the relationship between visual art and electronic music. We are proud to once again highlight the pivotal role visual media plays in the exploration of new frontiers in electronic music by hosting three separate OPTICAL A/V Showcases this year, titled “IMMERSION”, “BEAUTY IN BINARY” and “AMERITRONICA”. All three showcases investigate the intersections between audio and video technology through live performance and inter-media collaboration, featuring leading-edge artists from both worlds.

For the first installment of this year’s OPTICAL showcases, Decibel is excited to be hosting Raster-Noton founder and recording artist Frank Bretschneider. His solo work and collaboration with label mates Olaf Bender (aka Byetone) and Carten Nicolai (aka Alva Noto) as Signal has gained overwhelming praise from both high art and underground dance communities the world over. Frank will be marking his debut in Seattle with an all new a/v performance, which promises to be a festival highlight.

Sharing the bill, we’re proud to be welcoming back Ghostly International / 12k recording artist Christopher Willits, whose treated guitar and realtime video manipulations offer beautiful insights into the world of digital art.

Opening IMMERSION will be Type Recording artist William Fowler Collins, whose 2009 release “Perdition Hill Radio” is a nocturnal, drone-laden collection of songs that capture both isolation and redemption. Video artists Claudia X. Valdes will be performing visuals alongside William.