OSKAR is a collaboration between former Collapsed Lung bassist and fine artist Jonny Dawe and former Strangelove keyboard player and soundtrack composer Nick Powell. OSKAR was formed in 1999 in order to create an original soundtrack for performance art group The Max Factory’s ‘Target’ which was performed throughout the UK and Europe.

Other Oskar projects have included the composition and live performance of soundtracks for three Miu Miu catwalk shows in Milan, one of which, ‘Air Conditioning’ was subsequently released on Leaf Records. In 2003, OSKAR expanded to a fourpiece and became the live band for Scottish experimental theatre company Suspect Culture, of which Nick is a co-founder, in the show ‘One, Two…’ which toured extensively in the UK to great critical acclaim.

This year, OSKAR has provided an introductory sound installation for the V&A’s sonic exhibition ‘Shhh…’, of which Jonny is a co-curator.

Having found success providing soundtracks to events, performances, short films and their own installations, OSKAR has continued by making music to stand alone, often enlisting the assistance of collaborators including singer Astrid Williamson, and string players Sarah Willson (Belle and Sebastian), Ruth Gottlieb (Sparklehorse, Calexico) and Lucy Wilkins (Massive Attack) and trumpeter Terry Edwards.

OSKAR is currently preparing for live shows to accompany the release of the 7-track mini-album ‘Air Conditioning’ on Incarnation records combining manipulations of found sound with a combination of ‘real’ instruments, electronics and occasional vocals in a quest for a modern music with soul.

Manchester live review

"Think, clever use of sounds, complementary underplayed vocals, and furtive tunesmithery that will hook you on a second or third listen." - Playlouder.com

"A musical approximation of sick building syndrome from former members of Collapsed Lung and Strangelove - which can only be a pleasingly unsettling good proposition." - The Observer

"It’s utterly sublime and demands your attention." - Noyz.co.uk

"You might not know why you like it, but there is something about Air Conditioning that makes it essential for anyone who likes their music to challenge or provoke serious thought." - indieLONDON

"They really do seem to be offereing something a little bit different to anyone else on the current scene and for that alone they should be applauded." - The Beat Surrender