Linux Open Source Sound
2026 marks the 20th anniversary of the L.O.S.S project, which explored the use of free, open source music software, in conjunction with Creative Commons (CC) licensing.
The aim of the project was not to reflect any kind of ‘open source’ sound, but to act as a proof-of-concept, and share some of the work people were creating with the available tools at that time.
Contributions for the resulting compilation CD included work by Nullpointer, Ava, Edge Effect, Jake Harries, Collective Motion, Panayiotis Kokoras, DJ Auto, Chaos Butterfly, Slub, Minimal Turntablist Crew, and Elektronengehirn.
The album artwork was also produced using open source techniques by Matt Gray (Ava), and the album was mastered at Mirror Image Studios in Minneapolis – again, using the Linux operating system and libre software.
The project was devised and produced by Ed Carter for Access Space, a free media lab based in Sheffield UK, promoting open source software and the use of recycled hardware.
You can download mp3s of the music below:
01. Nullpointer –Sequence
02. Ava – The Divided Years
03. Edge Effect – Into The Frozen North (For Thorsten)
04. Jake harries – Eh?
05. Collective Motion – Hubris
06. PanayiotisKokoras – Slida
07. DJ Auto – Illegal Musick
08. Chaos Butterfly – Sleepish
09. Slub – Lost Dirt
10. MinimalistTurtableCrew – cnarz canister
11. Elekronengehirn – Hemisphere
Funded by Arts Council England.
Contact: loss@access-space.org
