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PAUL PRESTIPINO ["Preh-sti-PEE-no"] is an Australian artist of Sicilian descent whose solo work bridges song, sound design, and long-form composition.
Raised in Perth, he began drumming in rock bands at eleven before teaching himself classical guitar and other instruments, later studying sound design and electroacoustic composition. A devoted field recordist since a formative journey through Egypt in 2000, his music draws on natural, mechanical, and human atmospheres—both immediate and remembered—rendered in ways that are not always readily recognizable.
His two albums, released fifteen years apart, offer contrasting approaches to songwriting. Tunnel (2009, reissued 2026) features expansive 10-15 minute tracks woven with field recordings—cinematic journeys that blur the boundaries between song and soundscape. RTRFM called it "an absolutely outstanding album, a phenomenal release," while Drum Media described it as "beguiling and intricate... immensely moving." Animals and Spirits (2026) takes a different path: an intimate narrative arc with subtle arrangements following a protagonist through a dystopian landscape. Together, they show two ways of seeing through song.
Alongside his solo work, Prestipino has an extensive practice as a composer, sound designer, performance devisor, and mentor across theatre, film, radio, and installation. His soundtrack work has been widely recognized for its emotional depth and dramatic nuance, particularly in productions engaging with complex, political, or sensitive subject matter, described as "haunting" (The Guardian, UK), "chillingly evocative" (Sydney Morning Herald), "brilliant" (The West Australian), and "ingeniously designed" (AussieTheatre).
After many years working and recording across the US and Europe, he is now based on Gadigal land in Sydney. Past collaborations include projects with ABC Radio National, Version 1.0, Belvoir St Theatre, Black Swan Theatre, Ilbijerri Theatre, Roman Paska, Jim Sharman, Societas Raffaello Sanzio, Urban Theatre Projects, Debra Keenahan, Arenamedia, and Dawn Akemi Saito.
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