Channelling is a kinetic sound performance project in which a collection of motor devices, salvaged from obsolete and discarded consumer technology, is activated by environmental sound recordings. These recordings generate new sounds from the devices, which are then amplified using various microphones and techniques.
The recordings capture seemingly mundane sound phenomena that occur unpredictably in everyday life—such as passing traffic, wind, or doors closing. As a result, the movement of the devices is random, variable, and autonomous. This creates a collaborative relationship between the performer and the devices, rather than a master-servant dynamic.
The project is continuously evolving and adapting to its surroundings. Each performance iteration refines the method of presentation, with devices being added or retired, and the sounds changing according to the location. This results in new triggers and movements, making each performance unique.
The current version offers the audience a glitching, intimate view of the performing devices, projected onto a screen. This allows viewers to observe the performance closely, including the intricate actions of the devices.
Since 2005 Simon Whetham has developed a practice of working with sonic activity as a material for creation. He often uses environmental sound, employing a variety of methods and techniques in order to obtain often unnoticed and obscured sonic phenomena. He explore ways of creating physical traces of sound, and of channelling and transforming energy, most recently salvaging and repurposing obsolete consumer technology.
He performs and exhibits internationally, participating in Sonica Festival, 28.MFRU, phonon~festival, Fresh Winds Biennale, Nakanojo Biennale, ACC Showcase, Tsonami Festival, Madeiradig and Moers Festival; has a large number of published works; and regularly collaborates with artists of other disciplines.
He has received a number of commissions and awards including:
2020-Arts Council England grant to develop studio works
2017-British Council supported participation in Tsonami Festival in Chile
2009-Grants from Arts Council England and PRS for Music to curate and organise the cultural
exchange project ‘Active Crossover’
2007-Grant from Arts Council England to attend the Mamori Sound Project, Amazonas, Brazil
Website
www.simonwhetham.co.uk
Instagram
www.instagram.com/simonwhetham
Channelling is a kinetic sound performance project in which a collection of motor devices, salvaged from obsolete and discarded consumer technology, is activated by environmental sound recordings. These recordings generate new sounds from the devices, which are then amplified using various microphones and techniques.
The recordings capture seemingly mundane sound phenomena that occur unpredictably in everyday life—such as passing traffic, wind, or doors closing. As a result, the movement of the devices is random, variable, and autonomous. This creates a collaborative relationship between the performer and the devices, rather than a master-servant dynamic.
The project is continuously evolving and adapting to its surroundings. Each performance iteration refines the method of presentation, with devices being added or retired, and the sounds changing according to the location. This results in new triggers and movements, making each performance unique.
The current version offers the audience a glitching, intimate view of the performing devices, projected onto a screen. This allows viewers to observe the performance closely, including the intricate actions of the devices.
Since 2005 Simon Whetham has developed a practice of working with sonic activity as a material for creation. He often uses environmental sound, employing a variety of methods and techniques in order to obtain often unnoticed and obscured sonic phenomena. He explore ways of creating physical traces of sound, and of channelling and transforming energy, most recently salvaging and repurposing obsolete consumer technology.
He performs and exhibits internationally, participating in Sonica Festival, 28.MFRU, phonon~festival, Fresh Winds Biennale, Nakanojo Biennale, ACC Showcase, Tsonami Festival, Madeiradig and Moers Festival; has a large number of published works; and regularly collaborates with artists of other disciplines.
He has received a number of commissions and awards including:
2020-Arts Council England grant to develop studio works
2017- British Council supported participation in Tsonami Festival in Chile
2009-Grants from Arts Council England and PRS for Music to curate and organise the cultural
exchange project ‘Active Crossover’
2007-Grant from Arts Council England to attend the Mamori Sound Project, Amazonas, Brazil
Website
www.simonwhetham.co.uk
Instagram
www.instagram.com/simonwhetham
