Forming in 1979, Severed Heads are heralded as Australia’s most influential and innovative electronic act. Their music uses tape loops, noisy arrangements of synthesisers and dissonant sound sources, resulting in a unique fusion of avant-garde industrial, electronica and pop.

They were the first electronic outfit to play at Big Day Out, and have released over 20 critically acclaimed records. After officially disbanding in 2008, founder Tom Ellard reformed Severed Heads in 2010 with a new member Stewart Lawler and since then the act has only performed a handful of farewell & reunion shows – until Ears Have Ears Live in May 2016, when they performed an original composition for the first time in almost a decade.

Sydney music and arts writer Kate Hennessy then led an in-depth discussion with Ellard and Lawler, delving into their composition, their fascinating history and the current state of electronic music in Australia.

Ears Have Ears Live #3: Severed Heads & Kate Hennessy | 26.5.16 | Photos by Liam Cameron