simonsound

Under the Radar is the name of  a multimedia lecture which explores the avant garde electronic music that crossed over to the mainstream through its use in TV, Radio, Film and advertising in the 50’s and 60’s. I presented the lecture at Ravensbourne College in November 2008 and I’m keen to bring it to other learning establishments. Download the PDF to find out more, and if you are interested in booking me to visit your college or university please get in touch.

UPDATE - I’ve been invited to present Under the Radar to fine art students at Central St Martins in London at the end of January.

Go to the Under The Radar page for more info

Under the Radar PDF

Really enjoying this website full of magazine covers with a space age theme from a time when the future was something to be truly excited about. I just presented a lecture on electronic music from this period and the same optimism and excitement seen in these covers was equally present in the music. The development of electronic music went arm in arm with and soundtracked the scientific breakthroughs reported on in these titles.

The lecture, titled Under the Radar, explores the often strange and otherworldly music that developed through the late 50’s and into the 60’s and found its way into the home through TV and radio. A time when the avant garde entered the mainstream. A unique moment that could have only happened during this period of intense technological advancement. Its a far cry from the safe wallpaper music that fills our media now as broadcasters carefully avoid doing anything unusual that might scare off the audience.