Episode 12: Unmasking the “Noir Age” with Richard Vergez

Richard Vergez joins the Soundologia listeners to discuss his career as a sound artist, performer, and the founder of the ambient and drone sound label Noir Age. He reveals how he entered the realm of sound art as a professional graphic designer and how he draws inspiration from the Fluxus movement and dystopian motifs. As a prominent figure in South Florida’s underground and experimental music scene, Vergez delved into the creation of unique soundscapes for iconic silent films such as Nosferatu and Cabinet of Dr. Caligari. As a special surprise for our listeners, Richard is giving away one of the albums published on Noir Age called “Parallels,” which he created with his collaborator David Brieske.

About Richard Vergez

Richard Vergez is a Cuban-American artist specializing in mixed media collage and sound art. His work reflects his background in graphic design and audio/visual composition, with hand-made collages on paper and mixed media experiments. Vergez’s imagery combines human and technological elements, exploring the concept of an ever-evolving modern dystopian identity. He has exhibited in various cities, including Brooklyn, London, Chicago, Miami, Sydney, Los Angeles, Stekene, and Fort Lauderdale.

His collage illustrations have appeared in the New York Times, The Guardian, and the Atlantic. He founded the Noir Age label in 2017, releasing limited edition music on cassette and vinyl by artists worldwide, accompanied by mostly handmade artwork. Currently, he records and performs solo as Night Foundation, and recently collaborated with experimental vocalist Little Annie. Vergez also collaborates with Cuban choreographer Ana Mendez to score modern dance pieces.

Photo credit for the episode cover photo: Carlo Pirrongelli

Vergez’s book recommendations

Sense Sound Sound Sense – Fluxus Music, Scores & Records in the Luigi Bonotto Collection

Noise, Water, Meat: A History of Sound in the Arts by Douglas Kahn

Find more about Richard Vergez

Vergez’s website

Noir Age Bandcamp page

YouTube Channel