Jojo Mayer Brings Innovative “Me/Machine” Project to Budapest
On May 2, 2025, Budapest’s Eiffel Műhelyház will host a groundbreaking musical event as renowned Swiss drummer Jojo Mayer presents his latest project, “Me/Machine.” This unique performance promises to be a captivating journey where traditional and modern soundscapes converge, offering an unmissable experience for both longtime fans and newcomers alike.
“Me/Machine” represents a bold step in Mayer’s illustrious career, integrating human prowess with machine intelligence in an improvised duet. In this innovative setup, Mayer’s analog drumming interacts with artificial intelligence, creating a symbiotic relationship where man imitates machine and vice versa.
Jojo Mayer’s musical journey began in the early 1980s when, at just 18 years old, he joined pianist Monty Alexander’s ensemble. His career flourished as he ventured into jazz-rock with Screaming Headless Torsos and fusion with Intergalactic Maiden Ballet. The 1990s saw Mayer relocate to New York, where he worked as a sideman for various artists before founding Nerve, the quartet that became the playground for his revolutionary “reverse engineering” concept – playing machine-like rhythms on an acoustic drum set.
Known for his unique blend of jazz, drum’n’bass, and jungle, Mayer has been profoundly influenced by electronic music over the past decades. “Me/Machine” marks the next chapter in this ongoing love affair between human and machine.
The genesis of this project came from an unexpected source, as Mayer explains: “The initial impulse for ME/MACHINE came during an experimental recording session with Brian Eno shortly before the onset of the pandemic. I was struck by the implications generative, algorithmic technologies and AI will have on the future of music and thought: If only I had a year off, I would dive into this.”
The global pandemic provided Mayer with that opportunity, allowing him to explore and develop this concept fully. The result is a performance that pushes the boundaries of live music, challenging our perceptions of creativity and improvisation in the digital age.
As Budapest prepares to host this cutting-edge show, music enthusiasts are encouraged to witness this fusion of electronic innovation and live drumming. Whether you’re familiar with Jojo Mayer’s work or new to his musical world, this concert at the Eiffel Műhelyház promises to be an extraordinary experience that showcases the evolving relationship between human artistry and technological advancement.
Image source: JAZZFEST BUDAPEST