ENSOlab 2022: A Fusing Space for Sound, Art, and Innovation
In Alicante, the ENSOlab electronic music and production festival returns for its sixth edition, running from October 27 to 29. The event unfolds across the cultural center Cigars of Alicante, gathering musicians, researchers, and industry experts for three days of performances, roundtables, master classes, and immersive events. The program blends music with art, technology, and sonic documentation, reinforcing ENSOlab as a pivotal reference point within the wider national scene.
Cachito Turulo, also known as Ernest Avelino, steps forward as a key figure in this year’s poster lineup. Known for his contributions as part of Fasenuova, a duo that has toured extensively across Europe and helped shape industrial and CPA influences, Turulo’s evolving sound promises a futuristic and raw edge. The set draws on footwork, drill, and other avant‑garde electronic textures, delivering a lively energy marked by street narratives and nocturnal dynamics.
Sefax Acid Crew, a British electronic musician and producer, contributes with a focus on acid house and dubstep textures. Their live performances emphasize hands‑on manipulation of analog and digital gear, with occasional nods to classic Amiga computer setups, creating a distinctive and tactile sonic experience.
The festival remains under the auspices of the Consorci de Museus de la Comunitat Valenciana and the Alicante City Council Culture Department, solidifying its role as a flagship cultural event at Cigarreras and a benchmark for advanced and experimental music in the province. This alliance serves as a strong signal of commitment to high‑quality cultural content and to artists who bring innovative, non‑commercial perspectives to the stage.
The Mayor of Culture, Antonio Manresa, emphasized the festival’s mission: to sustain artistic integrity while elevating the visibility of creators who pursue work beyond mainstream tastes. The festival aims to promote bold cultural offerings and support performers willing to push boundaries in sound and form.
Ceephax Acid Team is highlighted as a notable presence for ENSOlab 2022, underscoring the event’s appeal to a global audience of electronic music enthusiasts. This act represents the playful, experimental edge that characterizes the festival’s broader ethos, where curiosity and fearless exploration meet professional craft.
ENSOlab’s programming extends beyond performances. Attendees can expect a curated mix of sessions and talks that explore the intersections of music, technology, and research. This multi‑disciplinary approach invites participants to engage with new tools, techniques, and ideas that inform contemporary sound making and listening cultures.
Calendar highlights the festival’s rhythm and balance across three days. On Thursday the 27th, a roundtable for content creators sets the tone, followed by a headline performance from Cachito Turulo in the evening. Friday the 28th features master classes in the afternoon and live presentations from Pyramid and Alpha Decay in the late night slot. Saturday the 29th centers on rare sessions and the collaborative performances by Yugen Kala and Mbodj, with a closing sequence that threads through Zone and Sefax Acid Crew, concluding the event with a resonant finale.
As with previous editions, ENSOlab frames itself as more than a festival. It is a forum where music, art, science, and cutting‑edge technology intersect, inviting a diverse audience to explore the evolving landscape of experimental sound. The organizers champion a platform that values artistic depth, technical experimentation, and community collaboration, creating a space where new ideas can emerge and take root in real time.
Note: ENSOlab continues to position itself as a dynamic hub for cultural innovation in the Valencian Community, drawing attention from local audiences and international visitors alike. The festival cultivates a atmosphere where performers, scholars, and enthusiasts share experiences that illuminate both the specifics of the music and the broader implications for contemporary sound cultures.
ENSOlab 2022 is presented in partnership with regional cultural authorities and local government, underscoring a joint commitment to advancing contemporary arts and experimental practices within the region. The event highlights the province of Alicante as a focal point for creative experimentation, inviting audiences to participate in a weekender of sound, visuals, and ideas that push the limits of what live music can be.
Authenticity and risk taking are repeatedly emphasized by organizers and artists, who see ENSOlab as a platform where serious craft can meet fearless exploration. The festival aims to retain its position as a trusted venue for artists who challenge conventions while offering audiences a memorable, transformative experience.
Calendar details and schedules are intended to guide attendees through a rich lineup of discussions, demonstrations, and performances. This structure ensures that visitors can plan their experience around the core events that define ENSOlab, from intimate master classes to high‑impact live sets. The ambition is clear: to foster a vibrant ecosystem where sound, art, and technology converge in compelling ways, for a diverse community of listeners and creators alike.
Cited by ENSOlab organizers for ongoing excellence in programming and community engagement, the festival remains a beacon for experimental music and related disciplines in Spain and beyond.
The festival experience is designed to be inclusive and exploratory, inviting curious minds to engage with artists who push boundaries and elevate the discourse around contemporary sound culture.