James May is a composer, improviser, sound artist, and photographer. His work explores unfurling, fragile spaces, generating unpredictable systems in which performers and listeners can dwell. He has commenced a PhD in Music and Multimedia Composition at Brown University, where his research focuses on improvisation frameworks, affective potentials of field recordings, and interactive digital and analog electronics. He was a participant in the 2025 Sudden Somethings NYC improvisation festival, installation technician for the 2025 Residual Noise conference, guest curator for the 2023 Birdfoot Festival, and co-organized the 2021 Bayou La Terre workshop with studio artist Cat Gambel. James's work has been programmed and recognized by the Sound + Environment Symposium, the International Computer Music Conference, and MISE-EN Festival; he's collaborated on performances and recordings with Longleash, Re:Duo, Versipel New Music, Gleb Kanasevich, Stephanie Lamprea, Will Yager, and Jamie Monck. Prior to his PhD, he was Program Manager of Global Sales Enablement for Accruent and taught as an adjunct professor in Tulane University's Music Science and Technology program. As a Mitchell Scholar (class of 2019), James studied Experimental Sound Practice at University College Cork; he previously earned a master's in composition at the University of Louisville, and bachelor's degrees in music composition and English at the College of Wooster. He lives in Providence, RI with his wife, Sarah, and their dog, Ollie.

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