Join sound artist, researcher and noise musician Sascha Brosamer, visiting Birmingham from Berlin for the first night of his UK tour, where he will be presenting an exciting new participatory and interactive work spanning the history of sound technology from gramophone to smartphone. Previously seen at Centrala performing as part of Dunning & Brosamer and INSECT!, Sascha will be running a workshop getting hands-on with the technology of shareable, social sound and then incorporating that technology into a performance to close the event.
Come early, with a smartphone and charger, to get involved in the workshop. Support from BMO convenor and multidisciplinary AV artist Chromatouch and MMA resident Hedge Priest.
“Sascha Brosamer’s work bridges the gap between historical and modern sound technologies, creating a compelling dialogue between the past and present. Using mobile gramophones as both instruments and sources of sound, Brosamer manipulates shellac gramophone records through techniques like scratching, cuts, and rewinds, bringing out the raw, tactile qualities of the analog medium. The sound produced by these mechanical interactions is then amplified through smartphone speakers, which add a contemporary layer to the performance. This combination of old and new technologies highlights the contrast between the rich, textured sound of gramophone records and the digital immediacy of smartphones. By repurposing smartphones as speakers, Brosamer emphasizes the interplay between different eras of sound production, challenging the listener to reconsider their relationship with both the devices and the sounds they produce. The result is an immersive auditory experience that merges history with modernity, encouraging reflection on the evolution of sound and its cultural significance.”
Workshop details:
“Take a step back in time as we revisit the gramophone listening culture that once enchanted Parisian parks during the 1920s and fast-forward a century to witness the rise of the boombox and smartphone. In this workshop, we’ll get hands-on with history, giving you the opportunity to experiment with the gramophone, shellac records and smartphones. Learn about the simple acoustic technology that laid the groundwork for the sound experiences we enjoy today. Additionally, we’ll introduce you to “GrainField”, a web-based tool by Benjamin Matuszewski and Norbert Schnell during the CoSiMa research project at the IRCAM Center Pompidou Paris. With your own smartphone, you’ll have the chance to create an immersive listening experience, exploring the fascinating realm of granular synthesis and simple spatial sound experiments. We encourage participants to bring their smartphones and chargers to fully engage in this interactive session. Whether you’re a sound enthusiast or simply curious about the evolution of audio technology, this workshop promises to be an enlightening and enjoyable experience for all ages. Come join us on this sonic journey, where the past harmonizes with the present and the possibilities of “Mobile Listening” unfold before your ears. Gain a deeper appreciation for the rich history of sound devices and their impact on the way we experience music today. Let’s make this workshop a harmonious gathering of like-minded individuals ready to explore the world of sound together.”
(No-one turned away due to lack of funds: if you need a free ticket just email us at info@midlandmetroalliance.org – no questions asked!)