Water and electricity do not (re)mix

Jun 19, 2015, 08:57 AM

Michael Ridge takes a unique, hardware-based approach to reimagining his sound:

"For the reimagined version I transferred the field recording onto a compact audio cassette and collected samples of water from the leaking pipe. In my studio the collected water was carefully dripped (the the aid of a pipette) directly onto the exposed circuit of a battery powered cassette player running the recording. The water droplets created new and momentary connections on the circuit causing the player to produce bursts of erratic noise and alterations in the playing speed. A delay pedal was utilised at various points primarily to enhance and play with the sonic textures of the water sound. Not only was the sound of water recorded but my intention was to use it as an instruments or sorts when reimagining the original field recording".

Part of the Sound Waves project for World Listening Day 2015: www.citiesandmemory.com/soundwaves