Arthur Hnatek (born July 10, 1990) is a Swiss drummer, composer, and electronic musician known for blending jazz, improvisation, and electronic music. His work spans multiple genres, from acoustic jazz to experimental club music. He was awarded a Swiss Music Prize in 2022.[1] Hnatek was a student at The New School[2] for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City under the guidance of musicians such as Nate Wood, Mark Guiliana, Ari Hoenig and Robert Sadin among others.[3][4]
Hnatek's music is characterised by intricate rhythms, experimental textures, and a fusion of acoustic and electronic sounds.[5] His work is often associated with modern jazz, avant-garde improvisation, and club music, expanding on conventional drumming techniques within these genres and is considered by one critic as "undoubtedly one of the world's finest rhythmicists".[6] Active as an electronica artist, Arthur released his first album in 2024, published by Mouthwatering Records, which explored the boundaries between improvisation and functional club music with his drums and modular synths.[7]
In 2020, the Arthur Hnatek trio released their first album Static, which was described as "a timely reflection on reduction and humility with a mindfulness that is on point right now" by Debra Richards.[17] One critic stated that it established Hnatek as a part of the Swiss drumming tradition, sharing traits in his composition with Aphex Twin or Squarepusher.[18]
He holds a position as member of faculty at the ZHDK (Zurich University of the Arts).[25] Hnatek is a long time collaborator with cymbals brand Meinl Percussion and was involved with creating prototypes, as well as offering help with the design of the Nano Sticks.[26] He has endorsed Tama Drums.[27]
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