Ex Wiish is a fleeting dream and the project of Ben Shirken, a sound artist and composer based in New York City. Their debut record “Shards of Axel” [Incienso, 2023] is its own progress trap. Disoriented within a collective virtual consciousness, it continually respawns into a harrowing, metallic landscape, a reflection of our connected yet alienated world. Shirken’s practice is often collage based, involving work with Max MSP, modular synths, and chamber instruments to compose generatively-based yet composed soundscapes. They are the founder of record label & performance series 29 Speedway, featuring improvisational electronic artists and multimedia sound installations. Shirken also produces for and plays modular synths in free jazz supergroup ‘Nu Jazz’ with Dan Orlowski of electronic hardcore staple Deli Girls and four other respected players in the NYC scene. In the midst of a burgeoning metropolis, we force ourselves into moments of respite, space to breathe; a voluntary peace as we find ourselves together again. “Shards of Axel” reflects this back to us.