Hello World! I experienced something out of my element last weekend at the Currier Museum of Art in Manchester, New Hampshire- Sound Sampling. I had told people where I was going but was unsure of how to explain the event. I really did not know what to expect! If you have been following 603melody you already know I am not a techie, nor do I have musical talent. So these are definitely layman’s observations.
Ryan Edwards of Masary Studios used sounds from around Manchester as well as from participating visitors to create a musical collage. Prior to the event Ryan and his partner Sarah sampled sounds from the city, such as a running river, Jazz Brunch at the Currier, and exhaust tubes. The tubes were a big find for Ryan! He also used previously recorded loom sounds from another mill town. Ryan guided us through the process of collecting more sounds during the event such as stamping feet, finger snapping as well as folding paper. He skillfully altered them digitally until he found the desirable effect. Yes- you may hear me snap with others on my side of the room. This recording goes in hand with the Currier’s current exhibit “Surroundings: A Community Mural”. Visitors may add to the mural until March 4, 2019. Come explore the question – What is a city?
If you are curious about the Currier project, check out my YouTube video of the “rough draft”- Sound Sampling with Ryan Edwards. The finished product may be found at Currier.org/surroundings. This was so much fun! Thank you Ryan!
Although Ryan does not give many workshops, this kind of interactive art is what Masary Studios is all about. They integrate visual and auditory mediums to create engaging community products to share with the public. Waking the Monster at Fenway Park was one of their projects as well as the really cool Sound Sculpture. I want to play with those cubes! Visit their website to learn more – Masary Studios .
One might might be surprised to learn that Ryan has extensive experience with West African music. At age 19 he travelled to West Africa in search of what makes people want to dance. No electronic technology, it was down to basics there- the rhythm of drums. This reminded me of Buxton School’s African dance and drumming program which I just have to slip in here. You may already know I have a soft spot for Buxton – African Drum and Dance (Buxton School).
So what does a techno whiz with African influences listen to? Ryan enjoys James Blake and Stimming. Sarah also mentioned Sylvan Esso. Click below to take a listen.
James Blake-Where’s the Catch
Sylvan Esso- Die Young
Stimming also creates sampled music. Check out November Morning . The following videos interestingly show November Morning translated into an orchestral piece without any electronic elements. The first is of Martin Stimming explaining how this project came to be. The second is a recording of the work. Simply amazing!
November Morning performed by Brandenburg State Orchestra
Thanks for checking in!
What are you listening to?
Stephanie
