In this article, an introduction to the Hybrids Festival at the University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK, the author reflects on ways in which hybrid tendencies (rather than fields of isolated practice) are forming continuums of practice in many areas throughout the sonic arts. In particular, he presents a defence of academic (and other) institutions as valuable sites of aesthetic, technical and social experimentation that can protect individuals, on a temporary basis, from the pressures to conform which come from everyday socialising and conditioning, and so develop ideas that establish new aesthetic practices.