Open Call: Sonic Pavilion 2026
Experimental Sound Studio (ESS) seeks proposals for multichannel sound compositions for the overhead trellis loudspeaker array at Jay Pritzker Pavilion…
Open Call: Florasonic Multichannel Sound Installation
ESS seeks proposals for four-channel sound compositions created for installation in the Lincoln Park Conservatory Fern Room in Chicago, IL.
The Ryan Deffet Studio Grant
The Ryan Deffet Studio Grant provides free, engineered recording studio time to a group or musician working in the Chicagoland…
The Spain/Chicago Artist Exchange
Applications are open for The Spain/Chicago Artist Exchange, our ongoing collaboration with the Cultural Office of the Embassy of Spain.The…
Archive Dive: An Evening at the Velvet Lounge
Joel Appel-Kraut I moved to Chicago in late 2022, more than 10 years after Fred Anderson’s Velvet Lounge closed…
CAA: Dave Pavkovic interview
On December 12th, 2025, ESS CAA Archivist Joel Appel-Kraut was joined in conversation by Dave Pavkovic, a drummer, artist, and…
Sonic Pavilion Redux review by I Care if You Listen
Huge thanks to I CARE IF YOU LISTEN for the thoughtful review of Sonic Pavilion Redux. I CARE…
ESS 40
Since its inception, ESS has celebrated the overlooked and under heard—the quiet spaces in between and the artful noise of…
CONTINUING RYAN DEFFET’S LEGACY
Ryan Deffet Studio Grant & Engineer Apprenticeship Award Ryan Deffet’s family, in collaboration with members of his music…
Newcity: Sarah Belle Reid Synthesizes Nature and Technology at Lincoln Park Conservatory
Experimental Sound Studio's latest iteration of "Florasonic" presents a quadraphonic installation that reinvigorates the senses during Chicago’s chilling weather.