Actress & Suzanne Ciani Release Live Improv Album, Concrète Waves
British electronic musician Actress and pioneering modular synthesis artist Suzanne Ciani have released Concrète Waves, a live album documenting their improvisational performances from last year. The album, unexpectedly dropped with little advance notice, captures sets recorded at London’s Barbican theatre and Barcelona’s Sónar festival and is available now via Actress’s relaunched Werkdiscs label.
A Transgenerational Collaboration Takes Shape
The genesis of Concrète Waves lies in a series of live collaborations that began in 2025. These performances, co-commissioned by The Barbican and Sónar, brought together two artists from distinct generations and sonic worlds. Actress, known for his “R&B concrète” sound, and Ciani, a luminary in the realm of electronic music and particularly celebrated for her 1982 album Seven Waves, found common ground in a shared exploration of texture, rhythm, and atmosphere. As The Quietus notes, discussions about a potential collaboration began as early as 2024.
The album isn’t simply a recording of those performances; it’s framed as the first in a new series from Werkdiscs, intended to capture “improvised musical conversations between two avant-garde icons.” This suggests a commitment to documenting spontaneous creativity and a willingness to embrace the unpredictable nature of live performance. The release as well marks a significant moment for Werkdiscs itself, which was originally founded in 2002 and has now been relaunched by Actress.
Beyond London and Barcelona: Expanding the Live Experience
The initial performances at The Barbican and Sónar weren’t isolated events. Actress and Ciani also brought Concrète Waves to Braga’s Semibreve festival last year, further refining their collaborative approach. And the live element isn’t finished yet. The duo has announced further performances scheduled for April 9th at Rewire festival in The Hague, Netherlands, and April 11th at Variations festival in Nantes, France. These upcoming shows offer audiences additional opportunities to experience the evolving dynamic between these two artists.
Sonic Philosophies Converge
What makes this collaboration particularly compelling is the contrast – and the synergy – between the artists’ approaches. Actress’s work often incorporates elements of sampling, glitch, and a deliberately fragmented aesthetic, while Ciani is renowned for her mastery of modular synthesis and her ability to create lush, organic soundscapes. Bleep.com describes the performances as exploring “a fluid quietude where rumbling Buchla stormclouds emerge, whirlwinds of fluctuating offkilter rhythms, and soft industrial clangs that allow flowing ribbons of analogue synth to accept centre stage.” This suggests a sound world that is both challenging and deeply immersive.
The album’s tracklist reflects the live nature of the project, with separate recordings designated for the London and Barcelona performances. The full tracklist is as follows:
- Concrète Waves London A1
- Concrète Waves London A2
- Concrète Waves London A3
- Concrète Waves London A4
- Concrète Waves London A5
- Concrète Waves London B1
- Concrète Waves London B2
- Concrète Waves London B3
- Concrète Waves London B4
- Concrète Waves London B5
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A1
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A2
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A3
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A4
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A5
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A6
- Concrète Waves Barcelona A7
- Concrète Waves Barcelona B1
- Concrète Waves Barcelona B2
- Concrète Waves Barcelona B3
- Concrète Waves Barcelona B4
Werkdiscs: A Rebirth and a New Direction
The release of Concrète Waves isn’t just a significant moment for Actress and Ciani; it also represents a revitalization of Werkdiscs. The label, initially established by Actress in 2002, had been dormant for some time. Its relaunch with this collaborative album signals a potential shift in focus, with a stated intention to document and release more improvised musical encounters. This suggests a curatorial vision that prioritizes spontaneity and experimentation over polished studio productions.
The album is available in both vinyl (a 2×12″ gatefold edition, shipping around June 15, 2026, priced at £32 GBP) and digital formats. The digital version, available for £9 GBP, includes unlimited streaming and high-quality downloads in MP3, FLAC, and 24-bit/96kHz.
Looking Ahead: Festival Dates and Continued Exploration
With performances already lined up at Rewire and Variations festivals, the Concrète Waves project appears to have significant momentum. It remains to be seen whether Actress and Ciani will continue to develop this collaboration beyond the live setting, perhaps exploring studio recordings or other formats. Though, the initial response to the album and the continued demand for live performances suggest a strong audience interest in this unique pairing of electronic music innovators. The success of this project could also influence Werkdiscs’ future releases, potentially paving the way for more collaborative and improvisational works from other artists.