Whilst it is well known that science and the more cerebral strands of electronic music have been reflecting each other for no less than three decades, like two mirrors facing one another – particularly following the emergence of labels such as Rephlex and Kompakt – the metaphor takes on a whole new dimension in the figure of Max Cooper, a Northern Irish producer who studied bioinformatics and even went on to pursue a scientific career centred on the study of evolution and genetic regulation. Listening to albums such as Emergence and On Being, on which micro techno and atmospheric ambient coexist yet also clash, one can pinpoint the exact point where science and music overlap.


He now has a career spanning almost two decades behind him, during which the soundscape has become too small for him. That’s why, to fully understand Cooper’s career, one must look not only at his albums but also at his digital art projects and immersive experiences. These two facets will merge on 8th November in Madrid at the launch of Feeling is Structure, his new album, another showcase of handcrafted electronic groove. La Riviera will host an audiovisual show which can also be enjoyed the day before as part of the MIRA Festival.