Sam Ashley (1955–2021) was an American singer and performance artist renowned for his experimental approach to music and art. Over a career spanning more than four decades, he delved into trance music and visual arts, creating solo performances, sound installations, and collaborative projects that took him across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Europe, Japan, Indonesia, and Cuba. Ashley founded and led the Cactus Needle Project, an ensemble dedicated to electronic and computer music, and was a key member of his father Robert Ashley's opera company, performing principal roles in several operas. His innovative works, such as "Seeing Things" (1981) and "Life is Short and Getting Shorter All the Time" (2008), reflect his commitment to pushing the boundaries of musical expression. ([de.wikipedia.org](https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sam_Ashley?utm_source=openai)) Werner Durand is a German composer, instrument builder, and performer based in Berlin, active since the late 1970s. He specializes in saxophones, the Iranian ney, and self-made wind instruments crafted from materials like plexiglass and PVC. Durand's minimalist style is characterized by rich layers, textures, and rhythmic effects achieved through digital delays, drawing inspiration from various traditional musics and instruments. He has collaborated with artists such as Amelia Cuni, Arnold Dreyblatt, and Sam Ashley, and has performed worldwide, participating in international festivals and cultural exchange programs. His works include "The Art of Buzzing" (2001) and "Hemispheres" (2016), showcasing his unique approach to sound and composition. ([soundohm.com](https://www.soundohm.com/artist/werner-durand?utm_source=openai))