HAPPENSTANCE is a multi-layered series of soundbooks created by award-winning bassist, composer and music producer Shane Cooper. It features a myriad of guest musicians and artists from diverse genres, including Zoe Modiga, Bokani Dyer, Gontse Makhene , Ann Masina, Zayaan Khan and more. It is an explorative, original and newly created series in which much of the recording process is achieved by using a vintage reel-to-reel tape machine from the 1970s.

Alongside the making of the 4 episodes that make up HAPPENSTANCE, The Centre for the Less Good Idea’s SO Academy engaged Cooper in the creation of a Sonic Composition Academy with 3 selected mentees, Khanyisile Peterson, Likhona Camane and Monthati Zenzile Masebe.
As part of the SO Academy’s In-Conversation, William Kentridge and Shane Cooper. Reflected on the journey of the collaborative episodic sonic composition and design in the construction of multi-layered soundbooks.

We’re thrilled to announce that HAPPENSTANCE was also able to come out on vinyl in 2021 with UK based record label Kit Records.

Since its digital release HAPPENSTANCE has gone on to receive some great press, from New Frame to The Wire, both locally and abroad as well as significant radio play with radio stations NTS radio and BBC Radio 3.

Photographer | Zivanai Matangi