Exploring the relationship between human and machine

Originally from Hong Kong and living in Dallas, TX, drummer Ian Chang makes electronic music physical. Using drums to control and manipulate samples, Chang brings human fluidity to a metronomic genre. The result is a seamless marriage of raw performative intensity and sophisticated sound design. Born and raised in Hong Kong, Chang was shaped by the city’s diversity and vibrance. He moved to New York in 2007 to pursue music and quickly gained a reputation as a “gigantically talented drummer” ( NPR).

In 2014, Chang and guitarist Rafiq Bhatia joined founder Ryan Lott as members of Son Lux, expanding the former solo project into a trio. Since then, they have written, recorded, and released an LP, Bones; and given over 300 performances in North America, Europe, and Asia. Other artists he’s played with include Matthew Dear, Dave Douglas, Rubblebucket, and Moses Sumney.

Chang is also a founding member of Landlady, making “brainy, melodic, pop rock” (Pitchfork) that “transmute existential questions and primal fears into exultant songs” (New York Times).

In 2015, Chang started beta testing Sunhouse’s Sensory Percussion. This new technology translates the nuances of drumming into sample-based sound worlds. Through testing and developing Sensory Percussion, he has discovered a new creative voice and that has led to the release of a solo EP and most recently, an LP in April 2020. The project explores the relationship between humans and machines, redefining drumming and electronic music.