Electronic Music Artist Jacques Greene Unveils Bespoke Track “Ligo” for Black Hole Experience at MUTEK

Montreal’s own Jacques Greene, a prominent figure in the electronic music scene, has created an exclusive soundtrack titled “Ligo” for the Black Hole Experience (BHX) at MUTEK Montreal. Available only at this installation, “Ligo” can be experienced as part of Village Numérique, a free digital art circuit running from August 15 to August 29. 

Jacques Greene’s connection to Montreal has deeply influenced his music career. The city’s vibrant arts scene has long been a source of inspiration for him, and his involvement in the Black Hole Experience reflects this connection. After first experiencing BHX in his hometown, Greene was motivated to create something that would complement its unique visual environment.

The track “Ligo” is named after the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave Observatory (LIGO), a facility that detects gravitational waves—ripples in space-time caused by massive cosmic events. This scientific reference ties in with the themes explored in BHX, adding depth to Greene’s composition.

Greene’s participation in the project came through his long-time friendship with visual artist Kelly Nunes, a key figure behind BHX. The pair saw this as a great opportunity to collaborate on a project that blends their respective fields of music and visual art.

“I really jumped at the opportunity to do something that felt more experiential, like an installation that lets people engage with the work on their own time. It was a completely different way to approach music,” Greene said.

One of the most unique aspects of “Ligo” is how the music interacts with the BHX visuals. The visuals within the dome react to the audio in real-time, creating a synchronized experience where sound and sight are deeply connected. 

“I was really interested in the idea of scoring something where the image is literally affected by the music I was composing,” Greene noted. This process required extensive testing and collaboration with the BHX team to ensure the music and visuals were perfectly aligned.

Creating music for the Black Hole Experience required Greene to think differently about his work. Instead of focusing solely on the auditory aspect, he had to consider how his music would influence and be influenced by the visual environment.

Greene described the process as both challenging and rewarding. “You’re in your studio, but you have to think about how people will feel as they move through the space, how they’ll react to different sounds and visuals,” he said. This project pushed him to explore new aspects of his sound, blending his electronic style with themes that evoke the vastness and mystery of the cosmos.

Over the years, Greene’s music has evolved from club-focused tracks to include more diverse and experimental influences. His work on BHX reflects his interest in creating immersive experiences that go beyond traditional music settings. He also sees technology as playing a crucial role in this evolution, enabling new forms of expression and audience engagement.

“Technology and electronic music are inseparable,” Greene said, highlighting how new tools open up possibilities for storytelling and for connecting with listeners in innovative ways.

Visitors to MUTEK Montreal can experience Jacques Greene’s “Ligo” as part of the Black Hole Experience. The installation is featured in Village Numérique, a free circuit of digital art installations running from August 15 to August 29, between 6 and 11 pm. This event offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of sound and visual art in an immersive setting. Get your free tickets here.