Electronic Music Legend Richie Hawtin Launches Innovative Scholarship at University of Huddersfield. The techno world reverberated with excitement as music maestro Richie Hawtin, often recognized by his stage moniker, Plastikman, announced an unparalleled initiative at the University of Huddersfield: the Richie Hawtin PhD Scholarship in Electronic Music, Cultures, and Production. This initiative underscores Hawtin’s unwavering passion for music education and his aspiration to foster the growth of the electronic music realm.
Claiming this distinguished scholarship is the talented Pierre Griscelli, a French native of 37 years. Griscelli, starting this September, will receive a complete tuition fee waiver for his three-year full-time PhD, benefiting from the mentorship of the world-class faculty at the university and drawing from direct tutorials with Richie Hawtin.
The university is also set to host a much-anticipated event, “Richie Hawtin, In Conversation”, on October 17th. The live discussion, taking place at the Oastler Building, will see a dialogue between Hawtin and Griscelli, with moderation from Professor Rupert Till, the acclaimed Professor of Music and Head of the Department of Music and Design Arts at the university. The event is free to attend, though reservations are necessary.
Pierre Griscelli’s winning research proposal delves into the realm of techno music production with a focus on hardware synthesizers. Titled “Techno Hardware-centric, Real-time, Improvisation, Performance, and Production Solution”, the research aligns seamlessly with Hawtin’s storied career, seeking to uncover the intricacies of real-time musical creativity, improvisation, and production.
Expressing gratitude for the scholarship, Griscelli stated, “Being chosen for this endeavor in electronic music isn’t merely an accolade. It signifies a profound responsibility, blending artistry, technology, academia, and social dynamics, all under Richie Hawtin’s guidance. My research, aptly named THRiPPS, encapsulates these elements.”
The scholarship had a notable reception when applications were opened in early 2023. A remarkable array of applicants emerged, each showcasing their unique visions for electronic music culture and production.
It’s worth noting that Griscelli isn’t a newcomer to the world of sound. He boasts a commendable 10-year journey in video game sound design, with contributions to renowned titles like Rainbow Six: Siege and Batman Arkham Knight. He’s now set to be a part of the Popular Music Studies Research Group at the Centre for Research in Music and its Technologies at the university.
Huddersfield University shares a cherished history with Hawtin. The relationship blossomed around ten years ago when Hawtin became the focus of a doctoral thesis. The bond strengthened as Hawtin, an honorary doctorate recipient, returned periodically to share his wisdom with budding musicians.
Richie Hawtin shared his exhilaration about the scholarship, remarking, “Joining hands with the University of Huddersfield once more, particularly with this PhD program, fills me with pride. I aim to share my three-decade journey in techno, assisting students in dissecting our industry’s evolution and facilitating fresh, modern perspectives.”
Renowned for its state-of-the-art facilities, the University of Huddersfield proudly showcases an enviable array of recording and production studios, offering students top-notch tools to refine their craft. The institution’s music department is celebrated, ranking among the best in both national and global metrics. Register to attend here.
