The Music Folder #12 Jim O'Rourke

Interview by Francesco Tenaglia, 4/3/2024.

The Music Folder is a talk series, curated by Archivio Storico Ricordi, which investigates the intersection of music, memory, and arts.

In this episode we are pleased to present the Japan-based, American composer Jim O’Rourke in a conversation with the critic Francesco Tenaglia.

The dialogue draws upon the figure of Roland Kayn, focusing on O'Rourke's effort to restore the unpublished archives of the late German composer, a project being published on Bandcamp. This initiative provides a foundation to explore the extensive themes of O'Rourke's thirty-year career.

Known initially for his involvement with the avant-garde rock band Gastr Del Sol, O'Rourke possesses a diverse solo discography that spans from pop to electroacoustic music. His collaborative efforts include working with artists such as Sonic Youth, Merzbow, Derek Bailey, Fennesz, Wilco, John Fahey, Smog, Faust, and Tony Conrad.