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 age 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 often draws on natural, mechanical, and human atmospheres - both immediate and remembered.

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His two albums, released fifteen years apart, offer contrasting approaches to songwriting. Tunnel (2008, reissued 2026) features expansive 10–15 minute tracks woven with field recordings captured across three continents - 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) was recorded in a cottage surrounded by bush at Bundanon Trust on the NSW South Coast - classical guitar, mandolin, and voice captured with a handheld microphone, then shaped over several years with layered arrangements and sparse electronics. The album follows a lone protagonist through a dystopian landscape.

 

Alongside his solo work, Prestipino has an extensive practice as a composer, sound designer, performance devisor, and mentor across theatre, film, radio, and installation, often in new works engaging with political or sensitive subject matter. His soundtracks have been described as “haunting” (The Guardian, UK), “chillingly evocative” (Sydney Morning Herald), “brilliant” (The West Australian), and “ingeniously designed” (AussieTheatre). Past collaborations include projects with version 1.0. ABC Radio National, Belvoir St Theatre, Black Swan Theatre, Ilbijerri Theatre, Roman Paska, Societas Raffaello Sanzio, Urban Theatre Projects, Jim Sharman, Debra Keenahan, Arenamedia.​ After many years working and recording across the US and Europe, he is now based on Gadigal land in Sydney.