NEW DIRECTIONS IN SOUND ART

THE EARTH'S ORIGINAL 4.5 BILLION YEAR OLD ELECTRONIC MUSIC COMPOSITION

At any one moment there are several electrical storms in progress around the planet. This installation takes as it's starting point, and explores, the interception of impulsive electro-magnetic signals generated by lightning. A considerable proportion of radio atmospherics is due to the direct and indirect effects of electrical storms on the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Through a network of inputs and outputs, utilising both antique valve-based short wave radio equipment, and the latest DSP computer technology, the installation allows us the opportunity to hear the Earthís own natural electro-acoustic composition, which is as old as the planet itself, and is continuously unfolding around us.

The input channels of the system, which are derived from a combination of real-time reception of short-wave atmospheric emissions and digital recordings of Sferics (short for VLF (Very Low Frequency) atmospherics) and natural thunder, are fed through a constantly cycling sequence of DSP effects, which further transform the natural material. Triggers, distributed throughout the space operate each input channel, which enable the channel for set periods of time before a fade out. The four output channels are also controlled via another series of triggers, which are dependent on population and activity within the space.

The installation thus creates a seven-bit time-sampling matrix giving 128 temporal variations, and like the natural composition itself, is unlikely ever to repeat itself. This work also allows the audience an unusual proxy control over the manifestation of an elemental force of nature. Interactive Agents

+