Trace E. Reddell

Trace E. Reddell is a Professor and Director of Emergent Digital Practices at the University of Denver’s College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. He is affiliated with the Department of Media, Film & Journalism Studies and the School of Art and Art History, reflecting his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of digital media, sound, and theory.

Education:

• Ph.D., English Literature, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1997
• M.A., Creative Writing, University of Colorado at Boulder, 1989
• B.A., English Literature, Texas Tech University, 1986 (Magna Cum Laude)

Trace Reddell’s research and creative work center on the interactions of sound, cosmology, and the imagination. His expertise spans Sound Studies, Digital Media, Science Fiction, New Materialism, and Philosophy of Technology. He explores how sonic cultures—particularly in science fiction, psychedelic music, and audiovisual performance—shape new modes of being and understanding. His work integrates critical theory, media philosophy, and hands-on artistic practice, including live cinema and net.art. He teaches courses in sonic arts, expanded cinema, speculative cultures, and critical digital media.

His publications reveal a strong trajectory in sound and media studies, with recent work focusing on sonic innovation in science fiction cinema, Afrofuturism, and cybernetic performance. His 2018 book, The Sound of Things to Come, is a landmark study in film sound, and he is preparing a sequel and additional books on psychedelic rock and space music. His upcoming MIT Press book, The Magic Circle: Sonic Substance in Psychedelic Music, further establishes his authority in sound culture.

Scientific Awards:

• Dean’s Award for Excellence, AHSS Dean, University of Denver (2018)
• “Excellent Artists” Honorary Award, Art on the Net Competition, Tokyo (2001)
• George F. Reynolds Fellowship, University of Colorado (1994–1995)
• Wiegers' Appointment, University of Colorado (1994)

Trace Reddell actively mentors graduate students, serving as a Ph.D. advisor and MFA thesis committee lead. He has directed numerous graduate research projects and served on dissertation and exhibition committees. He has secured multiple research grants from the University of Denver, including Faculty Research Funds and Creative Arts Material Funds, supporting projects like Sonic Science Fiction 2 and international academic exchanges. His creative work—ranging from live audiovisual performances to commissioned soundtracks—has been exhibited globally in venues from Amsterdam to Seoul. He also contributes to academic service through manuscript review for presses like Routledge and the University of Minnesota Press, and has held leadership roles including Graduate Director and Director of Digital Media Studies.

Labs and Teams: He has been closely associated with the Boulder Laptop Orchestra (BLOrk), contributing live visual performances. His collaborative projects, such as microMacroCosm with Timothy Weaver, reflect his engagement with interdisciplinary artistic teams. He has also led visiting artist series and founded digital media outreach initiatives at the university.