Desmond Leslie, born in 1921 in Monaghan, Ireland, was a man of many facets—best known as a pioneering composer in electronic music, a writer, film maker, and aristocrat. He rose to prominence in the 1950s and 1960s with his avant-garde musical compositions. His celebrated work, "Music of the Future," initially released in 1960, stands as a testament to his vision and innovation. It comprises a collection of groundbreaking electronic compositions that utilized the technology of the time to explore and create futuristic sounds.

His deep fascination with science fiction and technology not only informed his musical output but also led him to write on such subjects, seamlessly blending his artistic and intellectual pursuits. Over the years, Leslie's work fell into relative obscurity, but with the remastered releases such as "The Lost Noises Office" and "Music of the Future," modern audiences have the opportunity to rediscover his contributions to early electronic music. The JW Vault series—volumes 98 through 103—features a treasure trove of Leslie's pieces, providing a comprehensive look at the breadth of his work and reaffirming his status as a forefather of the genre. Despite being ahead of his time, today Desmond Leslie is celebrated as a key figure who foresaw the significance that electronic sounds would hold in the future of music.

Genres

Irish Experimental

Musique Concrete

Latest Release

JW Vault, Vol. 101

Desmond Leslie

Ep - 5 Tracks - Released July 22, 2020