STM 127 - Roberto Crippa

The creator of Secret Thirteen Mix 127 is Roberto Crippa, a London-based Milanese multimedia artist and composer whose work explores the interplay between human bodies, physical objects, and the acoustic properties of architectural spaces. Roberto’s journey into music began at 15, playing drums in bands that ranged from punk to black metal. His early drumming experience had a lasting influence on his approach to composition, installation, and sound design. Over time, his drum kit evolved into a collection of homemade instruments, electronics, and found objects, which eventually led him to focus exclusively on electronic sound, with sine waves as his primary source.

By the age of 19, Roberto was studying sensory perception in Milan before moving to London to pursue Fine Arts and Time-based Media at Central Saint Martins. At the same time, he immersed himself in contemporary art, seeking connections between his visual and musical practices. More fascinated by the relationship between sounds, noise, and their effects on the human body than traditional harmonic theory, Roberto began creating installations that explored the impact of bass frequencies on perception. His first official solo performance, under his real name, took place in 2000 in Milan.

For Roberto, sound is a material to be shaped and molded, whether through installations, live performances, or recordings. He refuses to rely solely on hardware or digital tools—his choice of equipment is always dictated by his artistic vision. Continuously evolving his setup, Roberto experiments with how changes in his gear affect his creative process. Today, his music blends real-time performance using custom analog oscillators and effect pedals with acoustic elements like zithers, bells, and percussion. His debut album Reverse was released on the renowned We Can Elude Control label, run by Paul Purgas of Emptyset. Roberto has also collaborated with visual artists, such as Caleb Wood, with whom he released an audiovisual DVD on Wasted Capital (UK). Frequently performing live in London, especially at the critically acclaimed Café OTO, Roberto is currently working on a new album.

Secret Thirteen Mix 127 is an electrifying journey through a soundscape that feels both expansive and intimate, where every sonic element plays a vital role in shaping the overall experience. The mix features works from pioneering artists like Emptyset, Valerio Tricoli, Kevin Drumm, Peder Mannerfelt, Helm, and Shapednoise, offering a rich tapestry for fans of contemporary experimental electronic music. Most tracks were released over the past decade by leading labels such as Raster-Noton, Editions Mego, PAN, Subtext, and Modal Analysis—imprints known for their commitment to innovation and forward-thinking sound.

While each artist in the mix brings their own distinct style and technique, Roberto masterfully weaves these diverse elements into a cohesive narrative. The transitions are seamless, creating a fluid and organic progression from one track to the next. His use of live acoustic instruments alongside mechanical, digital elements adds an unpredictable, tactile dimension to the mix. Whether it’s the haunting voice of Diamanda Galás or a digitized field recording, Roberto merges these worlds effortlessly, showcasing his deep understanding of sonic interplay.

The mix is anchored in glacial, brooding soundscapes that shift and evolve with each listen, revealing new layers of complexity. There is an ever-present sense of tension, punctuated by encrypted rhythms and advanced sound modulations, creating a constantly shifting, immersive experience. Roberto’s fascination with acoustics is evident in the mix’s towering atmospheres, which evoke a sense of vast, almost architectural space. His meticulous attention to detail and precision in blending these sounds result in a deeply rewarding sonic journey that leaves no listener indifferent.

Roberto’s mix can be compared to Nino Mustica’s striking black-and-white abstract painting Mercoledì 14, where the artist challenges our perception of form and space through gestural abstraction. Similarly, Roberto examines the relationships between disparate tracks and sonic worlds, revealing that even the most complex and expressive sounds can exist in harmony when curated with care and insight.

This finely electrified, nocturnal mix offers a unique glimpse into Roberto Crippa’s artistic vision, and Secret Thirteen is confident that it will serve as a captivating and inspiring discovery for many.