We play melodic music, we play songs, we play all kinds of things and when you improvise you don't just shut out different languages, you use all the languages that you have.

The prize was establiFred Frithd in 2005 in honour of experimental vocalist Demetrio Stratos of the Italian group Area who died in 1979. Frith was also a member of Art Bears Massacre and Skeleton Crew. Currently Frith is Professor of Composition in the Music Department at Mills College in Oakland California.