Jonah Wardle
Showreel
Jonah War
Jonah Wardle is a multi-instrumentalist and audio artist from Chester, UK. After studying at Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts Sixth Form College, he achieved a Distinction in the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Music Performance & Production before moving to Brighton to study Digital Music & Sound Art at University of Brighton. There, he broadened his creative practice and developed a deeper technical understanding of sound, experimental composition, and audio production, graduating with First Class Honours.
Initially playing drums and bass guitar in various bands, Wardle developed a growing interest in more experimental compositions and genres. His journey into avant-garde music led him to collaborate with his compositional partner, Zac Clowes, with whom he began scoring short films. Specializing in music for moving image, Jonah’s work in this field allows him to blend sound and visual storytelling in innovative ways, creating immersive and emotive soundscapes.
In addition to his work as a composer and performer, Jonah is a skilled sound designer, using his expertise in programming and synthesis to create captivating audio experiences. His technical abilities bring a fresh, immersive approach to a variety of media projects, further showcasing his versatility as an artist.
Interview with Barbed Audio
As his musical style evolved, Jonah began exploring electronic music and beat-making, leading to the creation of his solo project, Machine Hire. Through this project, he combines his passion for experimental sound with his love of DJing and beat production, crafting dynamic sets and unique compositions that push the boundaries of electronic music. Machine Hire made his mark in the live music scene, performing at prestigious events such as Birmingham's Supersonic Festival, one of the UK’s most renowned platforms for experimental music. This experience solidified his ability to engage diverse audiences through both live performance and electronic compositions.
Strip A Sonic self portrait
STRIP - A Sonic Self-Portrait, is a Wardle's most recent composition, made entirely from recordings of his own body, exploring anatomy as both subject and instrument. It transforms sounds such as swallowing, heartbeat, breath, and stomach activity into musical passages. The work removes visual perception, denying the dominance of sight and inviting the audience on a journey through the body experienced purely through sound alone.
While rooted in Wardle’s own physicality, the audio removes markers of individuality, allowing the piece to function as a universal self-portrait. By bringing private, often taboo sounds into a public setting, STRIP challenges ideas of intimacy, discomfort, and what it means to listen to the body. Balancing abstraction and realism, the work presents the human form as many things: vulnerable, mechanical, ever-changing, ugly, and beautiful.
After presenting his work in various spaces, including Outer Waves Festival 2026, Wardle continues to expand his live practice through the creation and performance of experimental, sound art–inspired pieces.
It will be released soon
Zac Clowes and Jonah Wardle
Jonah Wardle and Zac Clowes have maintained a long-standing compositional partnership since first meeting. Recognizing that their skills complement each other, the duo found common ground in their shared musical influences.
Their styles are contrasting but complementary. While Zac is a forward-thinking instrumentalist with a unique approach to composition, Jonah brings his expertise in programming, sampling, and electronic production to the table. Together, they create a dynamic and innovative synergy, blending their distinct approaches to compose for the moving image.
The culmination of this partnership is evident in their debut album release 'Trust Falls' (2024).
They have written original sound tracks for the following films:
Grey Mare (2023)
Directed by Jack Fielder
The Lunchbox (2025)
Directed by Shubh Gaharwar
War Time (2022)
Directed by Niall Morgan
After A Moment (2025)
Directed by Jack Pitchford
Releases
Trust Falls
Album By Zac Clowes & Jonah Wardle
22nd November 2024
