Experimental music

Almost all of us, given the opportunity, indulge the eavesdropping urge, especially overheard cell phone conversations. The sound artist known as “Scanner” has been incorporating the frequency band of cell phones in his work since the early 1990s. Produced by Michael Raphael.

Music made out of tones that you can’t always hear — but you can feel. The artists who make microsound think that even minute sonic changes can affect us. We asked three composers—Dan Abrams, Steve Roden, and Taylor Deupree—to tell us about their fascination with microsounds. Produced by Michael Raphael.

A Brazilian band refuses to be stuck in any musical pigeonhole, and lives with the consequences. Produced by Michael May.

We’d tell you what instruments musician Ken Butler plays, except you’ve never heard of them before. Because Ken Butler builds everything he plays. Produced by Mallory Kasdan.

Percussionist Evelyn Glennie made her name through playful performances where she would don exotic costumes and bang away at homemade instruments made from automobile exhaust pipes. Glennie introduces us to another musical daredevil — the New Zealand composer and drummer Gareth Farr. Produced by Amy Jeffries.