kiss and drum

by XATARATA

Paulina Owczarek - baritone saxophone

Federico Reuben: laptop improvisation/live coding

XATARATA is an improvising duo formed by Paulina Owczarek (saxophones) and Federico Reuben (laptop improvisation), exploring the intersection of freely improvised music with cutting-edge computer music incorporating live coding and processing, interactive systems and algorithmic music. With over a decade of collaboration, they have established themselves in the European and UK free improvisation scenes, and have developed work exploring the boundaries of human and algorithmic agency in spontaneous music-making. Originating within the vibrant London free improvisation scene in 2010, XATARATA has performed extensively across Germany, Poland, Spain, and the UK. Their practice as a duo synthesises Paulina’s emotionally charged, exploratory saxophone playing with Federico’s idiosyncratic real-time sound manipulation, unique use of sampling and synthesis techniques, and intricate implementation and manipulation of algorithmic systems.

"kiss and drum" is the duo’s second album, following their 2017 debut A.I.LOVEs2scream released on the London-based label squib-box. The album captures selected improvisational moments from a single recording session. Each track references events or anecdotes the duo encountered while touring across Europe.

"kiss and drum" is a testament to the duo’s 15-year collaboration; their improvisations reveal an almost telepathic awareness of each other’s next steps. Traversing the boundaries between improvisation, free jazz, and cutting-edge live electronic and computer music, the album invites repeated listening. Each track unveils a new dimension in an endlessly imaginative and creative musical exchange, leaving listeners with a profound sense of discovery at every turn.

CREDITS

Released April 24, 2026

Recorded on December 2, 2022 by Rafał Drewniany at DTS Studio, Kraków

Mixed by Andy Fell

Mastered by Stephan Mathieu at Schwebung Mastering

Artwork by Marilou Chagnaud

Special thanks to the University of York, NextGeneration EU and Maciej Lewenstein

Antenna Non Grata

[ANG LP01/2026]

license