Saturday, December 22, 2012

Farpoint Recordings releases Sonic Abyss

As the year comes to a close it seems there are still activities in my wonderful world of sound to report on. Here I'd like to mention that Farpoint Recordings has just now released recordings of the Sonic Abyss sessions from the Drogheda Arts Festival. As I previously reported, this took place on Saturday, 5 May, at the Barbican Centre.

Farpoint release recordings on various media and this time have opted for a free digital release through their website. You can download MP3 or uncompressed WAV. The first track includes Anthony Kelly, Harry Moore, Jesse Ronneau, and David Stalling. The second adds John Daly and myself.

While at Farpoint, check out their eclectic mix of offerings. One or two of these might make yourself a nice thoughtful post-Christmas present.
Friday, December 21, 2012

Prelude To "The Drones"

The Drones

I keep coming back to the drone. In some ways it's the essence of sound, from the primal to the contemporary. Ancients must have relished the thrum of the waterfall, the lash of wind in a storm, the rumble as a herd of herbivores massed in a charge, the sound of distant thunder heard first by the hairs on your neck. Instruments like the suburuburu (bull roarer) were held sacred in societies across the globe. From this simple twirling stick came a complex sound that seemed to mirror the cycles of day and night, tide on tide, season following season.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012

"Caged Birds" in NYC Tomorrow



We're coming to the end of 2012, the centenary of John Cage's birth, and to the final events of this very busy season. If you are in New York City, I invite you to White Box for winter solstice. From 20-23 December, Ear to the Earth presents 100x John: A Global Salute to John Cage in Sound and Image. There are performances, playbacks of soundscapes from around the world, and a chance to meet Phill Niblock.

I am proud to say that my piece, "Caged Birds (Augmentation)" is included in "Cagean Mix #1", which you can hear tomorrow evening (Thursday) from 7-10. It is also available to hear in its entirety on the project page (track 39). Details on the event itself, including the gallery location, can be found at the White Box site.
Wednesday, December 19, 2012

As They Ride Through The Remains Of The City

Vespa

As They Ride Through The Remains Of The City

In the Vespa Café,
a dog named Peter sniffs the feet of strangers.
A cat sleeps on a wooden chair.
There's old jazz on the radio.

Surrounded by disused vehicle and coffee machine parts,
safety helmets and WiFi waves,
three women breast feed in unison.
Their babies are the beneficiaries of
second-hand americano and cappuccino --
an efficient display of caffeine exchange.