• Laura Ortman Florasonic performance

    Florasonic: The Southwest Northeast Back and Forth Bows

    A new 4-channel sound installation work by Laura Ortman, spatialized by Kari Watson.

    Read More

We are a community supported non-profit dedicated to the curation, evolution, and exploration of sound.

For 39 years Experimental Sound Studio has nurtured avant-garde and exploratory artists through production, presentation, education, and preservation.

Read More
Exploding Star Orchestra at Adler Planetarium

Events

Last year we presented 337 artists in 81 different programs in-person throughout Chicago and online.

Explore events

Full-Service Recording Studio

ESS offers comprehensive production facilities and expert support for nearly 150 artists per year in over 300 sessions.

Work with us on your next project

Donate to support

Individuals like YOU made all of the activities in 2024 happen. Make your mark on the next year of artist-led programs.

Donate

Artist Residencies

ESS works with local and international partners to create time and space for artistic creation. Residents are selected from open calls throughout the year.

Learn More

Creative Audio Archive

Members can now listen online to over 5,000 archival recordings, and we’re adding more every day!

Listen to the Archive

The Facility

Looking for a unique place for a party, small wedding, meeting, or private
performance?

Tour Our Space

Are you an Artist?

Checkout what our community has in store!

Artist Support