Happy Accidents : Invite the Unexpected. A workshop by Sinan Bokesoy and Laurent Mialon
Presented by : Sinan Bökesoy and Laurent Mialon
In the realm of sound design and composition, the phrase “happy accident” refers to those unexpected moments when unplanned or seemingly incorrect gestures yield unanticipated yet compelling results. From beginners experimenting in digital audio workstations to the pioneering works of avant-garde composers, these surprising instances can spark new directions and inspire entire pieces. Whether they arise from a slip in parameter settings, unfamiliarity with software tools, or a deliberate injection of randomness, “happy accidents” have proven to be powerful creative catalysts that bridge intuition, discovery, and formal exploration.
Practically speaking, these serendipitous occurrences often happen when a composer or sound designer is working with software or hardware whose complexity is not yet fully understood. Accidentally routing signals in unintended ways or tweaking random parameters can produce vibrant textures and rhythms that might never emerge through a strictly methodical process. These moments highlight the expressive potential of “not-knowing,” where the journey of learning and experimentation fuels fresh creative ideas.
Of course, harnessing chance is not merely about letting chaos reign. The most compelling results typically arise when the artist balances spontaneity with a sense of direction—defining a parameter space for randomness, isolating the most intriguing outcomes, and sculpting them into a cohesive whole. In this way, “happy accidents” become more than fleeting curiosities; they become the fertile ground for electronic music.
In our workshop, participants will investigate recent sonicLAB software tools and experiment with their capabilities to yield surprising sonic results—learning how to refine and integrate these “accidents” into a personal artistic practice. By sharing our own experimentation experiences, we will foster an environment where the unexpected is welcomed, celebrated, and transformed into compelling formal expressions and compositional strategies.
March, 27th