Joshua Michael Carro (b. 1982) is a multifaceted multimedia artist, percussionist, sound designer, producer, teacher, and composer currently based in Los Angeles, California. His recent endeavors focus on pioneering innovative techniques in graphic modular composition for a variety of instruments, incorporating both electro-acoustic and visual elements. Carro's extensive research encompasses sound design, composition, music technology, North Indian Classical Tabla, and social artistic behavior. He has showcased his work through performances and recordings across the United States, Canada, Australia, Asia, and Europe. His collaborations include notable figures and ensembles such as Ulrich Krieger, Vicki Ray, Susan Allen, Jonathan Morgan, Luciano Chessa, New Mexico Contemporary Ensemble, Dogstar Orchestra, Hear Now, People Inside Electronics, Hinge Ensemble, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Santa Fe Center of the Arts, Singapore Art Science Center, Laurie Anderson, Rat Bastard, Ehnahre, Blood Oath, CONCEPT, Shattered Glass, Synchromy, NCP Ensemble, UC Berkeley Cellist Ensemble, Wild Rumpus, What’s Next? Ensemble, and Now Hear Ensemble.
Carro actively participates in the Los Angeles-based project BLOOD OATH, alongside Ulrich Krieger (known for his work with Lou Reed, Metal Machine Trio, and Sonic Youth). BLOOD OATH is recognized as the first experimental noise-metal saxophone-drum duo, characterized by its unique fusion of dark ambient, harsh noise, doom, and death metal, coupled with free improvisation.
In 2017, Carro joined Ehnahre, an extreme metal ensemble and contemporary composition collective based in Boston, Massachusetts. The group's music blends elements from contemporary classical music, aleatoric music, doom metal, and death metal, employing extended techniques, aleatoric rhythms, aspects of serialism, and elements from free improvisation and contemporary chamber music.
Carro’s solo project, [[[personablack]]], serves as the primary focus of his sound and artistic exploration. This solo electro-acoustic drumming initiative intersects various musical and artistic genres, spanning from antiquity to modern experimental noise and sound design. Utilizing Abelton Live, Max for Live, and Isotonik Studios software, [[[personablack]]] is poised to contribute significantly to the evolution of musical and artistic practice. With over 150 compositions and 30 albums to his credit, Carro's work has gained international recognition, often described with vivid imagery such as, “Both cuts destroy the opposition, and will flatten you as surely as a falling boulder flattens Wile E. Coyote.”
In addition to his performance and composition work, Carro has engaged in sound design and artistic consultation for film and television, with his contributions published, recorded, and licensed by Warner Bros., Capitol Records, T.V. Stand Studios, XI Records, H.L.M., Somehow Recordings, Vent, and Ephem-Aural. His accolades include the Verdant Vibes Call for Scores (RI) in 2018, THE EAR Call for Scores (NYC) in 2018, Radiophrenia Call for Radio Works (Glasgow, UK) in 2017, Musinfo Call for Multimedia Works (Bourges, France) in 2017, James Tenney New Mexico Contemporary Ensemble Call for Scores Post Card Series in 2017, Fresno State New Music Ensemble Call for Scores in 2017, and the Syros Sound Residency in Athens, Greece in 2016. As an educator, Carro has taught and lectured on topics such as drum kit recording and sound production techniques, sound acoustics, chamber music, doom metal, tabla and tala systems, and musical composition/theory at the California Institute of the Arts. His work ultimately seeks to delve deeper into artistic creativity and exploration, aiming to expand the realms of drumming, technology, and innovation.
