Commissioned: Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan

Gordon Chapman-Fox has been making music for decades, but it is with his latest project – Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan – that he is reaching an ever-wider audience. Perhaps his cinematic take on electronica resonates more acutely in a post-pandemic world? Perhaps his sometimes bleak, always propulsive synth-led sounds offer a moment of solace, or perhaps it galvanises those who see something of themselves reflected back in his biting vision that echoes of broken promises and failing infrastructure. Whatever is fuelling the allure, we count ourselves among those who are waiting with baited breath to see what comes next. 

But, being the impatient sorts that we are, we took it upon ourselves to hurry along the process; we have invited Gordon to Roadburn 2025 as a commissioned artist. For this special performance he will compose and perform original material that will have its exclusive premiere at the festival. As with all our commissioned projects, we – like you – won’t really know what’s in store until it unfolds in front of us. However, with his extensive knowledge and expertise in modular synths, plus his background rooted in more guitar-based music, the field is wide open for experimentation.

Gordon has titled the piece Industrial Growth, and of his upcoming performance he tells us:
“It’s an honour to be offered this opportunity by Roadburn 2025. Industrial Growth represents a blank slate for me, and the shape and form of the music is taking on a harder edge to match, less ambient, more jarring. My music has always represented a reflection on the state of the UK now, compared to the ambition and innovation of the past and that view does not seem to be improving.”

Walk with us as we enter the world of Warrington Runcorn New Town Development Plan.

– Becky Laverty