I’ve been running a lot of workshops this year, continuing to develop the methodology I began with Neolithic Cannibals through my deepening connection with listening. Recently I had a crisis of confidence as I was preparing for a series of workshops that I considered to be my most ambitious yet, using listening to invite curiosity into a space with deep history and trauma. In the midst of this I scribbled some notes down about how I got here and why listening is so important to me. I was in my car at the time watching my son play football.
[The wind howls and rocks the car]
I got here through making music and sound effects, always interested in the more unusual. I created ‘sound worlds’ for radio drama and stories.
[Low calls / high cries in an open lively acoustic]
I found myself sitting quietly making longer recordings, sometimes using special microphones to reveal hidden sounds.
[The force of the wind blows over a metal frame holding netting. It is repositioned and the net expands and flutters waiting to catch something else]
I started to recognise a connection when I was listening. Noticing details I wouldn’t have had I not sat and listened. It felt good and warm.
[Echo blasts the net and it billows]
I made a project on the council estate where I grew up. Listening created a space to engage with difficult and uncomfortable aspects of my life. The stigma growing up there. The long held belief that I’m studpid or will be found out because I don’t know what I’m doing. I was able to confront all that and more through listening and conversely, being heard.
For communities and people that have been hurt by those that wield power, a deep listening is long overdue.
I try to make work that creates spaces and invitations to do that.
[Echo spins, his golden hair whipping around his joy filled face]
I hope to carry that playful energy with me.