There may not be a more eclectic artist on the planet than Paul D. Miller, aka DJ Spooky, That Subliminal Kid. A passionate and intelligent artist, as well-versed in French literature and philosophy as he is in hip-hop, Miller continues to add to his creative output across a broad cultural spectrum.

Last week, Miller was busy in Birmingham, on stage twice - once with the Alabama Symphony and again at Bottletree Cafe. Trip-hop and ambient styles collided with brilliant orchestral colors in Anthony de Ritis' Devolution: Concerto for DJ and Orchestra, featuring DJ Spooky. Thursday night was not your standard performance by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra, accompanied by Miller's improvised spinning on two turntables and a laptop. Read more in this Alabama Live article, as well as his interview earlier in the week.

On Friday night, Bottletree Cafe showcased DJ Spooky Presents The Secret Song. This new project The Secret Song "isn't really an album: it's a manifesto about the place of history in our modern collaged, scrambled, sampla-delic to the core, mega info overloaded digital culture."

In addition to these projects, Miller's Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica is an acoustic portrait of a rapidly changing continent. Coupled with historic, scientific, and geographical visual material, Terra Nova: Sinfonia Antarctica is a seventy minute performance, creating a unique and powerful moment around man’s relationship with nature.

Paul D. Miller/DJ Spooky joins the SXSW 2010 Music panel "Performing Arts: New Frontier for Live Acts?" on Wednesday March 17th at 3:30 PM, which will cover the growing bonds between fine arts venues and popular music forms.

Performing Arts: New Frontier for Live Acts?

John Riedie (Moderator), Rampant Arts
Bill Bragin, Director of Public Programming, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts
Dan Forte, Director of Programming, The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts (pictured left)
Paul D. Miller, Artist, DJ Spooky

While more performing arts institutions are broadening their programming, how great is the potential for popular musicians in this traditionally conservative world? Register now to catch this panel and find out.

Photo: Paul D. Miller/DJ Spooky, courtesy of Mike Figgis.
Photo: Dan Forte, The Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts in Louisville.