Chance Meeting
Friday February 28th, 2025 with Heavy Ben
Black History Month spotlight on Actress

Chance meeting on a grey interior of rhythm & blues and musique concrète Actress, the alias of Darren Cunningham, is an acclaimed British electronic music producer and DJ, known for his experimental approach to techno and other genres, blending ambient, dubstep, and abstract soundscapes. He is one of the most prominent figures in the UK’s electronic music scene and is especially known for his distinctive sound that merges avant-garde elements with danceable rhythms. This led to the tag "R&B concrète". Darren Cunningham was born in the United Kingdom in 1979, and he grew up in London. His musical influences stem from a wide variety of genres, but he became particularly drawn to the underground electronic scene in the late '90s. Cunningham’s interest in music began during his youth, and he experimented with various styles before settling on a more abstract, experimental approach to production. Cunningham began releasing music under the moniker Actress in the mid-2000s. He initially gained attention for his innovative approach to techno, blending it with elements of dubstep and ambient music. His first releases were on the label Honest Jon's Records, which helped him carve out a niche within the London electronic music scene. Hazyville (2008) helped establish Actress as a pioneer of the "post-dubstep" era, combining minimal techno with lo-fi production techniques and creating a unique blend of haunting melodies and dark, atmospheric beats. Splazsh (2010) gained even more recognition and was a defining moment in his career, with tracks that blended deep basslines, glitchy rhythms, and textured atmospheres. The album was considered one of the most important electronic albums of the decade, showcasing his versatility and ability to push the limits of electronic music. Further releases on Ninja Tune and Smalltown Supersound further solidified his status as one of the most innovative figures in electronic music. These include R.I.P. (2012), Ghettoville (2014), AZD (2017), 88 (2020), LXXXVIII (2023), and Statik (2024). Known for his unpredictable and mysterious nature, Actress rarely engages with the press or social media. His work often transcends the boundaries of conventional dance music, incorporating elements from jazz, experimental sound design, and even noise music, which has contributed to his reputation as a boundary-pushing artist. His use of unconventional production techniques, such as distortion and lo-fi sampling, has made him a key figure in the world of avant-garde and experimental electronic music. In 2024, Cunningham released a 54-minute mixtape via Resident Advisor. The self-titled release, with his name written in Ukrainian, is an evolving piece of sound art that we will listen to in its entirety. It was pressed to vinyl in November and is akin to the 49-minute piece 88 (2020). Actress’ legacy in the UK and international electronic music scenes is undeniable, as his work has influenced a generation of producers across multiple genres, from techno to experimental electronic music. Despite not being a mainstream figure, his influence continues to resonate deeply with those who appreciate avant-garde sounds and unconventional production techniques. Through his evolution as an artist, Actress has maintained a reputation for unpredictability, continually innovating while staying true to his unique sonic vision. He remains a crucial figure in the underground music world, celebrated for his avant-garde approach to electronic music. https://actress.bandcamp.com/music https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actress_(musician) https://www.discogs.com/artist/211501-Actress https://pitchfork.com/artists/28985-actress/ https://www.theguardian.com/music/2024/nov/08/actress-darren-j-cunningham-review-ukrainian-elegant-mixtape-leans-into-abstraction (to embiggen the show icon, right-click and choose "Open image in new tab")