speaks | Mariam Rezaei

Abstract

Detailing a journey through the Newcastle DIY scene in the 00s, turntable experiments from ensembles, to solo, duos trios and orchestras, Mariam will discuss her career journey and where her current creative practice is now. She will reflect on new piece ‘The Scholar’s Record’, premiere in Donaueschinen, 17.10.2025, and her new turntable compositional techniques and methodologies. 

Biography

Mariam Rezaei is a multi-award-winning composer, turntablist and performer working across experimental new music, free improvisation, mutant club music and hip-hop. Described by The Wire as “one of the most technically adept and creatively daring artists to use the turntable as a musical instrument,” Rezaei uses a digital vinyl system, allowing her to manipulate an expansive range of samples in real time using classic turntablist skills and her own innovative techniques. 

The Anglo-Iranian virtuoso’s latest solo release FRACTURED (Heat Crimes) has been praised by The Wire, Uncut and Bandcamp Daily, and was one of The Quietus’ cassette releases of 2024. Rezaei is a member of the international free music supergroup The Sleep of Reason Produces Monsters and the pioneering Turntable Trio with Evicshen and Maria Chávez. Her co-composition with Matthew Shlomowitz, 6 Scenes for Turntable and Orchestra, was premiered at IMD Darmstadt 2023. Other collaborators include Jennifer Walshe, Kobe Van Cauwenberghe, Edward George, Pat Thomas, Farida Amadou, Valentina Magaletti, Lasse Marhaug and Okkyung Lee.