Ben Neill is a sonic alchemist who blends music, technology, and visual art through his pioneering Mutantrumpet to craft boundary-defying, immersive experiences. His groundbreaking electro-acoustic instrument merges the expressive power of the acoustic trumpet with the limitless potential of interactive electronics. Neill’s performances are evocative journeys through pulsating electronic landscapes, hypnotic ambient textures, and virtuosic live manipulation, all controlled in real-time through his innovative instrument.

In Neill’s live performances, the acoustic sounds of his multi-belled instrument are sampled in real time and processed using custom software that interfaces with his notes, dynamics, and 28 onboard controllers; joysticks, distance sensors, switches, and potentiometers. The system enables him to control digital audio as well as live interactive video, which is managed and mapped by VJ Dolphin Uppercut Avenger. The visual components of his performances include imagery by a variety of artists including chaos mathematician/psychedelic philosopher Ralph Abraham, filmmaker Chrystel Egal, digital artist Carl van Brunt, and painter Andy Moses.

A pioneer in electronic and hybrid instrumental music, Neill has released thirteen albums on cutting-edge labels including Universal/Verve, Astralwerks, and Thirsty Ear. His newest music showcases his mastery of deep, meditative sound worlds fused with undulating beats and intricate sonic layers as well as collaborations with scientist Rupert Sheldrake, African producer Mikael Seifu, and others.

Neill’s boundary-pushing work has captivated audiences at prestigious venues and festivals, including BAM Next Wave Festival, Lincoln Center, Moogfest, The Whitney Museum, and Big Ears Festival. In 2024, he expanded his artistic reach with the publication of his first book, Diffusing Music: Trajectories of Sonic Democratization (Bloomsbury Press), a forward-thinking exploration of how technology is revolutionizing the creative process and reshaping the future of music. His work stands at the vanguard of musical evolution, bridging the worlds of experimental sound, electronic innovation, and artistic collaboration.