John Niekrasz
John Niekrasz performs using sensory percussion technology.
John Niekrasz uses handmade samples, Sensory Percussion technology, and acoustic drums to create compelling sound art that runs the gamut from the semiotics of language poetry to abject glitchcore. Niekrasz’s performances grapple with such spectra as poverty and ornament, rigor and effortlessness, justice and militancy.
Niekrasz is an American artist working in sound, language, performance, and movement. Originally from Chicago, John is a lifelong student of music. He studied improvisation with Milford Graves, percussion and dance in Havana, and classical Hindustani tabla with Pandit Lacchu Maharaj.
John composes for and performs in ensembles Methods Body, Orchestra Becomes Radicalized, and others.
The English pronunciation of John’s last name rhymes with Free Jazz.