Description
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Valentina Magaletti, a prolific and genre-defying drummer, percussionist, and composer based in London, has steadily carved out a significant space in the world of avant-garde music. Originally hailing from Bari, Italy, Magaletti’s journey has seen her traversing numerous musical landscapes, from post-punk to experimental pop, leaving an indelible mark on each genre she touches. Her work is characterized by a deep commitment to pushing the boundaries of traditional percussion, merging it with electronic and improvisational elements to create soundscapes that are as innovative as they are immersive.
One of her most recent collaborations, “Suono Assente,” sees Magaletti joining forces with dub maestro Zongamin (Susumu Mukai). The project is a fusion of dream-pop, post-punk, and dub, featuring contributions from artists like Coby Sey and Venus Ex Machina. The album exemplifies the fluidity of Magaletti’s drumming, seamlessly transitioning between the gritty rhythms of post-punk and the hazy atmospheres of dub. Tracks like “Habadash,” which features Vanishing Twin’s Cathy Lucas, recall the ethereal soundscapes of bands like Slowdive, while the minimalist, dub-inflected “Bites,” with Coby Sey’s distinctive vocals, showcases her ability to anchor even the most abstract compositions with her rhythmic prowess.
Magaletti’s versatility is further highlighted by her extensive collaborations with other experimental artists. She has played alongside members of Raime in the band Moin, contributed to the intricate electronic textures of Nicolas Jaar, and worked with the legendary Gruff Rhys of Super Furry Animals fame. Her influences, ranging from the innovative drumming of Jaki Liebezeit (Can) to the avant-garde stylings of Ikue Mori, are evident in her ability to adapt and evolve across projects. Whether she’s delving into the freeform jazz improvisations reminiscent of Milford Graves or channeling the hypnotic repetitions of Tony Buck (The Necks), Magaletti’s work is always underpinned by a distinct creative vision.
Beyond her collaborative endeavors, Magaletti has also made waves with her own projects. As one half of the experimental duo Tomaga, alongside bassist Tom Relleen, she explored the outer limits of sound and rhythm, creating a body of work that was both challenging and deeply engaging. Her membership in the experimental pop quintet Vanishing Twin and the supergroup UUUU—featuring Graham Lewis (Wire) and Thighpaulsandra (Coil)—further cements her reputation as a key figure in the experimental music scene. In 2017, she contributed to The Can Project, a tribute to the pioneering krautrock band Can, performing in an ensemble that reimagined the band’s iconic music.
Valentina Magaletti continues to defy expectations with her innovative approach to percussion and composition. Her ability to seamlessly blend genres and collaborate with a wide array of artists ensures that she remains at the forefront of the experimental music scene, continually expanding the possibilities of what percussion can achieve in contemporary music. As she moves forward, her work promises to remain as unpredictable and boundary-pushing as ever, securing her place as one of the most exciting and influential percussionists of her generation.
