Alva Noto and Ryuichi Sakamoto: Electronic Luminaries in Collaboration

Ryuichi Sakamoto came to fame with Yellow Magic Orchestra, along with solo work and collaborations with the likes of David Byrne, Thomas Dolby, Iggy Pop and Berlin-based electronic artist Alva Noto AKA Carsten Nicolai. The pair met when Carsten was performing in Tokyo, and together they formed their own sound, with Sakamoto’s minimal piano complementing Nicolai’s glowing digital tapestry. Here, they discuss their musical backgrounds, their approach to collaboration and live performance.