The group drone


Group drone is a live music format with no clear distinction between performer and audience. It involves a span of improvised ambient sound, which may remain rooted in a single key center or drift over time. Players going into a sound system can set up in advance, while those playing acoustically can drop in at any time. Ideally, further "public" instruments open-tuned to the appropriate keys can be made available to attendees, to better encourage the spirit of free play.

As opposed to a traditional concert, the musicians and audience occupy the same space, on the same level, dissolving the boundary between creator and consumer, between active and passive. Players can step in and out of play, trusting that others will continue in their stead. All present are encouraged to make themselves comfortable in any way they see fit - stretching, drawing, knitting, writing, dancing contact improv, napping, etc.




2025, Cyber Love Garden, Montreal QC
At the discretion of the organizer, the participating musicians can be curated and booked in advance, or left up to chance - first come, first served style. The current protocol at the monthly Cyber Love Garden drones involves an RSVP form so that a number of players reserve their spots ahead of time. This eases some of the stress of rushing for a spot, and allows us to prioritize first-time participants as well as those of marginalized backgrounds.

While no one is officially conducting or steering the proceedings, one or more people should be keeping an eye on the mixer to keep things equalized, to control feedback, etc. Consistent listening and communication between all participants is vital to maintain balance.







Sleepover drone is a particular subset of the group drone format.
As implied by the name, drone and ambient music is played overnight, at a low enough level for sleeping. Music can start anytime in the evening and run well past dawn.

In an open, comfortable space, mats, blankets and pillows are arranged. Arists can be booked for discrete sets, being mixed seamlessly from one into the next, or a more fluid soundbath can be improvised by the players.





2016, La Plante, Montreal QC / photos by Thomas Boucher



See write-ups on the Sleepover Drone here and here.

see also:
Field Guide for Effective Sleepover Droning, 1st ed,
authored by La Plante Collective, April 2014.