Arthur Hnatek (born July 10, 1990) is a Swiss drummer, composer, and electronic musician known for blending jazz, improvisation, and electronic music. His work spans multiple genres, from acoustic jazz to experimental club music. He was awarded a Swiss Music Prize in 2022.[1] Hnatek was a student at the The New School[2] for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City under the guidance of musicians such as Nate Wood, Mark Guiliana, Ari Hoenig and Robert Sadin among others.[3][4]

Musical style and influence

Hnatek's music is characterised by intricate rhythms, experimental textures, and a fusion of acoustic and electronic sounds.[5] His work is often associated with modern jazz, avant-garde improvisation, and club music, expanding on conventional drumming techniques within these genres and is considered by one critic as "undoubtedly one of the world's finest rhythmicists".[6] Active as an electronica artist, Arthur released his first album in 2024, published by Mouthwatering Records, which explored the boundaries between improvisation and functional club music with his drums and modular synths.[7]

Hnatek's electronic music has been heard on BBC Radio 6 Music[8] and has been featured and discussed by Mary Anne Hobbs,[9] Tom Ravenscroft and Gilles Peterson.[10] His music has been played in clubs around the world, including on Laurent Garnier's turntables and during his show on FIP (radio station).[11] He has collaborated with Stenny (Ilian Tape),[12] TAUT,[13] Noémi Büchi (-ous),[14] Ripperton,[15] and Tillman Ostendarp.[16]

In 2020, the Arthur Hnatek trio released their first album Static, which was described as "a timely reflection on reduction and humility with a mindfulness that is on point right now" by Debra Richards.[17] One critic stated that it established Hnatek as a part of the Swiss drumming tradition, sharing traits in his composition with Aphex Twin or Squarepusher.[18]

As a drummer, Hnatek has been recognised for his work with Tigran Hamasyan, contributing to both The Call Within and Mockroot.[19] Hnatek accompanied the Erik Truffaz quartet on tour from 2016 to 2020.[20][21] Hnatek has collaborated with artists such as Sophie Hunger on her score for My Life as a Courgette,[22] Dhafer Youssef, Vincent Peirani and Donny McCaslin.[23][24]

He holds a position as member of faculty at the ZHDK (Zurich University of the Arts).[25] Hnatek is a long time collaborator with cymbals brand Meinl Percussion and was involved with creating prototypes, as well as offering help with the design of the Nano Sticks.[26] He has endorsed Tama Drums.[27]

Discography

As solo artist

  • 2024: Adrift – Album (Mouthwatering Records)[28]
  • 2022: Why So Much Hope – EP
  • 2021: Polychroma – EP (feat TAUT)
  • 2021: Ritual – EP (feat TAUT)
  • 2020: SWIMS – EP[29]

As leader

  • 2023: Apnea – EP – Arthur Hnatek Trio (Bridge The Gap)
  • 2020: Static – Album – Arthur Hnatek Trio Whirlwind Records[30]
  • 2020: Melismetiq Live in New York – Melismetiq (feat Shai Maestro, Ari Bragi Karason and Rick Rosato)
  • 2017: Melismetiq – Melismetiq (feat Shai Maestro, Ari Bragi Karason and Rick Rosato)
  • 2013: The arc lite suite

As sideman

With Tigran Hamasyan

With Erik Truffaz

References

  1. ^ "Swiss Music Prize 2022".
  2. ^ "The New School".
  3. ^ "Arthur joins Tama Drums". Beat It Drum News. 23 September 2024.
  4. ^ Senff, Boris. "Le frappeur des Grottes dort à l'hôtel du jazz".
  5. ^ "Noise Engineering Blog".
  6. ^ Robert, Arnaud (7 September 2021). "Festival JazzOnze +: Arthur Hnatek, battre la musique tant qu'elle est encore chaude". Le Temps.
  7. ^ "All About Jazz Interview". 2 April 2021.
  8. ^ "BBC Radio 6 Tom Ravenscroft".
  9. ^ "BBC Radio 6, Mary Anne Hobbs feature".
  10. ^ "Worldwide FM show - Brownswood Basement". 28 November 2024.
  11. ^ "Laurent Garnier sur FIP, Deep Search". 2 November 2024.
  12. ^ "Venice, Pro Helvetia, New Echo System". 10 May 2024.
  13. ^ "Mouthwatering Records".
  14. ^ "Live In Vevey". 2 July 2024.
  15. ^ "Geneva Chamber Orchestra".
  16. ^ "Cully Jazz, Tillman and Arthur" (PDF).
  17. ^ Richards, Debra (May 2021). "Arthur Hnatek Trio Static Review". Jazzwise Magazine. Debra Richards.
  18. ^ Rüsenberg, Michael (30 June 2021). "Arthur Hnatek Trio Static Review". Jazzcity.
  19. ^ Fordham, John (22 January 2015). "Tigran Hamasyan: Mockroot review – a vibrant, personal take on songs from Armenia and beyond". The Guardian.
  20. ^ Hewett, Ivan (3 July 2016). "Love Supreme Festival, review: jazz's answer to Glastonbury? Not quite". The Telegrpah.
  21. ^ Fordham, John (23 March 2016). "Erik Truffaz Quartet review – the trumpeter's set sprang few surprises". The Guardian.
  22. ^ "Ma Vie de Courgette on IMDb". IMDb.
  23. ^ "Dhafer Youssef in Concert". Wiener Konzerthaus.
  24. ^ "Artist biography". Montreux Jazz artist Foundation.
  25. ^ "ZHDK".
  26. ^ "Nano Sticks review". Sweetwater.
  27. ^ "Artist annoucement". Tama Drums.
  28. ^ "SRF 3 Sounds, feature on Adrift".
  29. ^ "Fabrice Gottraux, Tribune de Genève". 20 June 2020.
  30. ^ "Whirlwind Records".
  31. ^ "Mockroot – Nonesuch Records". 20 November 2014.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur_Hnatek
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