Announcements

Production Masterclass with Novaa

by Hannah Deans -

Join renowned Berlin-based music producer Novaa for an immersive masterclass in music production, sampling and sound design at Catalyst, hosted by Eva van Dijk. 

Novaa brings a unique, empathetic approach to sound design and music creation. This live production workshop will explore live sampling, sound design, and unconventional production techniques using Ableton Live, transforming sampled sounds into interesting musical elements. Whether you're an experienced producer or new to music production, this masterclass offers an invaluable opportunity to learn from one of the most innovative voices in Berlin electronic music, and connect with other producers interested in pushing the boundaries of creativity.

  • When: Wednesday 23 October, 19:00
  • Where: Catalyst Social Stage (kitchen)
  • Register: here on DICE 

/// About Novaa

Novaa is a music producer based in Berlin, they see themself as a translator of creative vision for other artists, a valve for whatever wants to be expressed. It is important to Novaa to remain open, empathetic and soft in making music by themself as well as in collaboration. Intuitively working with sounds appearing in their surroundings, composting seemingly unusable sounds, finding the exciting in the boring and going with what feels good rather than sounds good is what makes her passion for music production. They are part and an initiator of the music production group “Bableton”.

areyounovaa.com | @areyounovaa

/// About Eva (host) 

Eva van Dijk is a music producer, educator and experimental pop artist from Melbourne, based in Berlin. Her work blends hyperpop, jazz and ambient textures. Her thematic focus is on incorporating complexity and technicality into her productions, and sharing queer love stories. Eva's creative journey has expanded to include an educational role as an educator at Polyphase, teaching music production. Additionally, she is an organiser of the Ableton User Group Berlin. Eva is also part of the Student Wellbeing team here at Catalyst.

@evandijk_

Artistry Connect: Share your creations

by Samaquias Lorta -

Artistry Connect: Share your creations 

Wednesday 9 October, 18:30, Social Stage
A social space for creative minds to share their work. 

Prepare to mingle with students from all disciplines at Artistry Connect! This is a social event to support your development through stronger networks with your creative peers. 

What can you expect? 

  • connect with students from various disciplines ✔️
  • share your work in progress outside your regular class environment ✔️
  • gain inspiration from your community ✔️

Bring a link or file (mp4, mp3) that showcases your creation. Don't worry if it's a work in progress or unfinished – we welcome all forms of media, from tracks and podcasts to film, animation and theatre.

If you're still building your portfolio and not quite ready to share, feel free to bring an artist portfolio that inspires you. Choose someone from your region of the world to spark conversations. Those who just want to know what others are creating, this is for you too! 

💥 Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow students, ignite your creative spark, and embrace a fresh perspective on art. Join us at Artistry Connect and let your portfolio shine. Register HERE

Experimental Live Sessions 1

by Samaquias Lorta -

Banner for Experimental Live Sessions 1

Experimental Live Sessions 1

Friday 4 October, EMP Lab @ 20:00

The EMP Lab returns for its third season, ready to ignite your senses with another round of live experimental music sessions. This evening is dedicated to showcasing the innovative sound work of Catalyst students, offering a platform for those eager to push the boundaries of sonic art.

Focusing on non-danceable music, we invite you to sit back and immerse yourself in a captivating night of sonic exploration. Expect a unique blend of drone, ambient, noise, sound art, and generative music, where the unfamiliar takes center stage.

/// Line up

🔥 Apply 🔥
If your interested in performing in the Experimental Sessions series, fill out THIS form. See you Friday!

Guest Workshop: Kat Thomas pres. The Scaffold

by Hannah Deans -

Are you ready to change the world through the arts? 

  • When: Wednesday 2 October, 18:30–21:00
  • Where: Social Stage (kitchen), Catalyst
  • What: Workshopping* The Scaffold, an interactive play personifying theatre and social change. Participants will be invited to co-create a select few scenes in an active rehearsal. 
  • RSVP here!

*You are welcome to simply observe the workshop, but we are also looking for a few participants to read and perform sections of the play (please indicate your interest in the RSVP form above).  

/// About The Scaffold

The Scaffold, a new performance work born from Katherine Thomas' doctoral research, is a performative tool that initiates dialogue, embodied knowledge-making and activist spaces for change. Developed with theatre artists, it explores the relationship between theatre and social transformation, emphasising the role of human bodies and shared biases in creating meaningful connections. The Scaffold, adaptable to various public and private spaces, reaffirms the importance of agency, community and creativity, reminding us that reimagining knowledge through the arts is essential for navigating transformational times.

/// About Kat Thomas

Dr Kat Thomas is radically impulsive and familiar with disasters. She recently completed her PhD with creative component at University of Auckland with Dr Molly Mullen and Prof. Peter O’Connor. Kat creates creative work on the borders of academic spaces, and holds an interest in post-human feminism, critical autoethnography, disability arts, directing and applied theatre. She considers herself a MARDographer – an enlightened play on a/r/t/ography where one accepts the entanglements of their identities within their scholarly, artistic and activist work spaces.


Catalyst live @ ORWOhaus this Friday!

by Hannah Deans -

For the last two weeks, Summa College’s (Netherlands) Music Production Lab, Metal Factory, and Rock City Institute third-year students have been in Berlin for an immersive music experience. As part of this, eight Music Production Lab students have been paired with eight Catalyst music students to create a brand new live performance at the legendary Berlin venue and collective ORWOHaus this Friday! 

When: Friday 27 Sept, 19:00–23:30. 

WhereORWOhaus e.V, Frank-Zappa-Straße 19, 12681 Berlin

What: Catalyst & Summa college students performing live electronic music, metal and rock

Don’t miss this night of fresh, genre-bending performances from emerging artists at one of Berlin’s most storied venues. Open to all students, no registration required. 

Orwo





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