Episode 222 Guitarist Sally Gates

The Lydian Spin

Sally Gates is a New Zealand musician and composer currently based in New York. Her avant-rock trio, Titan to Tachyons, recently launched their second album, Vonals under John Zorn's Tzadik Records. This album has received widespread critical acclaim, earning a spot on Spin's Best Metal list and being described as "harnessing virtuosity with an enticingly organic fluidity" by The Wire.

In 2022, Sally was honored with the Wellington Jazz Festival Composer Commission. She returned to her home country to debut her composition Thought & Terraform for solo guitar at the Wellington Opera House, along with a series of other performances across New Zealand.

Sally is known for her "slinky, avant-noir guitar work." She frequently collaborates with various improvisational music groups in New York, notably as a 'secret guest' in a John Zorn ensemble. Some of her recent collaborators include Trevor Dunn, Zoh Amba, Brian Chase, Greg Fox, and Sam Ospovat.

Before her move to New York, Sally Gates released original music as a member of the Miami progressive-metal band Orbweaver. She toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and New Zealand, performing alongside acts such as Gigan, Success Will Write Apocalypse Across the Sky, and Relentless Attrition.