Kayla Painter is a producer and experimental sound artist whose work sits at the intersection of composition, research and raw sensory experience. Born in Southampton and now based in Bristol, her practice draws as much from academic sound design as it does from instinct and exploration, resulting in performances that feel carefully constructed yet constantly evolving.

Field recordings are central to Kayla Painter’s world. Everyday sounds are gathered, manipulated and woven into dense, immersive pieces that blur the line between music and environment. If you’ve caught her at Simple Things Festival or at Glastonbury, you’ll know her live sets feel more like soundscapes you step inside than songs you simply listen to — textured, detailed and often quietly overwhelming in the best possible way.

Beyond the stage, Painter’s work extends into film, installation and animation, reflecting her background as a multidisciplinary artist. Her practice is inquisitive by nature, less concerned with neat conclusions and more interested in process, transformation and how sound can carry meaning beyond melody or rhythm.

Currently championed by Mary Anne Hobbs, Kayla Painter also brings a deep critical perspective to her work. Alongside releasing and performing, she lectures on music’s philosophy and political economy and leads the songwriting course at BIMM. At Deer Shed, expect a performance that rewards close attention — immersive, thoughtful and genuinely transporting.