Event

Suzanne Ciani Celebrates Electronic Music at SF’s Noise Pop Festival

Published February 12, 2024

Pioneering electronic music artist Suzanne Ciani is slated to take the stage at San Francisco's Noise Pop Festival, marking a triumphant appreciation of her groundbreaking work in the genre. Known for her masterful compositions on the Buchla synthesizer, the West Marin musician is not just a performer but a trailblazer who carved her own path in electronic music.

Breaking Stereotypes and Embracing the Buchla

Despite her significant contributions to music and advertising, including creating iconic sound effects and being the first woman to single-handedly score a major Hollywood film, Ciani faced challenges early in her career. Record labels were initially reluctant to sign her since her work didn't conform to the typical mold of female artists at the time. Her debut album, 'Seven Waves', finally released in Japan and later in the United States, has since achieved cult status among fans of ambient and experimental music. Ciani continues to identify it as her most definitive work.

The Journey of an Electronic Music Innovator

From her studies in college with aspirations of becoming a classical composer to the discovery of the Buchla synth, Ciani's commitment to her electronic identity has been unwavering. Her work, which includes Grammy-nominated classical albums, is steeped in the uniqueness of the Buchla's sounds—from the simulated roars of ocean waves to the memorable soundscapes in advertising and pinball games.

In addition to her milestone in film scoring, Ciani has enjoyed other successes, such as airplay for 'The Velocity of Love.' Yet, navigating the unpredictable music industry, she often found herself balancing her neo-classical roots with her passion for electronic sounds.

A Legacy Revisited and Revived

Now embraced by a new generation of fans and receiving long-deserved recognition in the electronic music community, Ciani reflects on her career's unfolding, seeing dreams she had as a young artist come to life. Her performances and discussions on her career, such as the upcoming ones at Noise Pop and the Belvedere Tiburon Library, invite both long-time followers and new listeners to explore the depth of her artistic journey.

Experience the Electronic Dreams of Suzanne Ciani

The awaited performance at Grace Cathedral and the lecture about her career echo the growing appreciation for Ciani's contributions to music. As electronic and ambient genres gain popularity, Ciani stands as a testament to the enduring power of innovation and artistic vision in the landscape of music.

pioneer, synthesizer, festival