Gene Pool

Gene Pool#58: Stephen Cornford

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 21:01:48 +0000

Exchanging dismantled vintage cassette players in the post and coaxing sound from ancient media. Sound artist, Curator and Research Fellow Stephen Cornford talks about his projects in the run up to the 2012 AudioGraft Festival at Oxford Brookes University. We hear extracts from his room installation of cassette players that amplify their own mechanisms "Binatone Galaxy" and improvised electronic performance of "Cartridge Music" with fellow SARU staff member and artist, Paul Whitty. Plus a spontaneous discovery of sounds from the old VCS3 synthesiser laying in the corner of the studio at SARU. More Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#57: Radio and Locale

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 14:33:54 +0000

Dim the lights and open your ears. Lit only by the light of his laptop screen, Programme Director of Resonance 104.4FM, Ed Baxter speaking at the Sound:Space sonic arts event in January 2007. Illustrated with sonic gems from Resonance's programme, Ed Baxter's talk highlights the concepts behind the station, some of it's history and ongoing struggle for survival as London's first and only Arts Radio station. More: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org.uk http://www.resonancefm.com

Gene Pool#56: Social Networking

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 18:29:10 +0000

The new social networking tools, Twitter and Facebook have enabled the emergence of new localised business networking meetings, Digital Surrey and Digital Berkshire. We talk to marketeers, Jocelyn Kirby and Jeff Scott about how these grassroots communities are attracting the interest of large corporations, such as Microsoft, Google and Canon. The conversation roves around social media tips and advice, sharing the digital love and detours into the tales of the supernatural ! More: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org.uk

Gene Pool#55: Paranormal Voices

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 22:37:57 +0000

Ghost voices, magnetic interference or a glitch in the electronics ? Alison Ellis and Domenic Capaldi capture extraordinary unexplained voices on their recordings using only simple equipment. We speak to them following their review with the Scottish Society for Psychical Research and discuss the world of Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and the possibility of non physical intelligences working with a spiritual Tech department to find ways of communicating with researchers into the paranormal. More: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#54: Circuit-Bending

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 18:41:25 +0000

Approaching electronics as an artist, Stu "ASMO" Smith visited us in November to lead a workshop to construction a Touch Control Electronic instrument. We retire to my favourite Indian restaurant, the Sultan Curry House in this interview, where we discuss Dirty Electronics, the Mute Synth and the impact of Social Media on the evolution of DIY tech culture. More Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#53: Creative Conversations

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Wed, 09 Nov 2011 16:33:15 +0000

Weymouth-based artist, Joe Stevens captures moments in time in his projects like the memory-jogging "Sounds of the Seaside" and the current "Creative Conversations" interview series. Much like our own Gene Pool, one of Joe's interests is in connecting people to the creative impulse of the times through rambling conversation. We tap him up on Skype and have a ramble around topics from animation in open source software, Processing to the Cultural Olympiad and his recent interview with Julie Penfold of PVA Medialab. More: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#52: Hidden Sounds II

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:38:51 +0000

The inner sounds of Bamboo plants, tramlines and ferry boat's feature in our exploration of the hidden sounds around us, with recordings made by contact microphones - small piezo discs able to pick up the sonic vibrations that run through everything. Recordings contributed by members of the online Yahoo Phonography egroup, Joe Stevens, Matt Davies, Udo Noll, Steve Barsoti and Pablo Sanz. More Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#51: iOS and Future Tech

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 17:14:55 +0100

The Future seems to get ever-closer. We talk 3D printed buildings, augmented reality apps, and have fun with the new Siri personal assistant on the iPhone 4S, with iOS developer Chris Tingley and 3D artist, Riette Hayes-Davies. More Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org.uk

Gene Pool#50: The Ethometric Museum

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 15 Oct 2011 18:31:45 +0100

Following on from his hugely successful large-scale event, "Siren", sound artist Ray Lee assembles a collection of 40 handmade "ethometric" sound devices and presents a tour and demonstration of them in a performance which blurs the boundary of technological reality and tips visitors into a post Steam Punk mix of spiritualism and the New Science. Audio recording made by Felicity Ford. More Info: Ray Lee - www.invisible-forces.com Dr Kounadea: www.stavroulakounadea.com Ethometric Instruments Ltd.: www.ethometric.co.uk www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#49: Ray Lee

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Mon, 10 Oct 2011 21:44:54 +0100

Inhabiting an alternate technological reality, manipulating the signifiers of history or creating a space for the "wonderful" to emerge - sound artist, Ray Lee stops by to speak to us on the occasion of his performance piece, the Ethometric Museum. More Info: www.ethometric.co.uk | www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#48: Kathy Hinde

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 16:57:11 +0100

Touching on hydrophones, Quartz Composer and Bat Detectors, we speak to artist, Kathy Hinde in between her residency on a canal boat turned into a moving data-collecting instrument for AND Festival, project to produce playable animations for a touring Folk music duo, and creation of online sound maps for her Twitchr and Echo Location pieces. Kathy's artwork encompasses installation, video, sound, interactive and digital elements in a genuine and considered way. She has a wealth of collaborators and is regular demand to lend her ideas to the staging of Theatre and Dance pieces. More Info http://www.digitalmediacentre.org http://www.kathyhinde.co.uk

Gene Pool#47: Para-Language

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 14:19:20 +0100

Sonic explorations of the phonetics and meaning of European languages with Greek artist, Vicky Vergou. The two part project revolves around the wealth of languages existing in close geographical proximity and is realised in video, sound and images. Features recordings by the artist and Paul Whitty of SARU, Ann Rapstoff and others. More: http://languageparalanguage.blogspot.com/ http://www.vickyvergou.co.uk

Gene Pool#46: Searching for Magic

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 11 Sep 2011 13:48:35 +0100

"Did you hear the voices?" A roadtrip to the ancient monuments and sacred places of the West Country in search of inspiration and magic. With artist and musician, Sandy Nys of Belgian Ritual/Industrial band, Hybryds. Stopping off at Silbury Hill, Swallowhead Spring, West Kennet Long Barrow, Avebury, Stonehenge and Glastonbury. More: www.hybryds.com www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#45: Active Crossover Live

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 19:33:02 +0100

Field recording meets contemporary composition, drone and home-brewed electronics in a live concert at The Rising Sun Arts Centre, Reading, as part of Simon Whetham‘s “Active Crossover” sound installation project. This episode is a condensed mix created by Simon Whetham of all of the performances on the night from: Simon Whetham, Jonathan Coleclough, Felicity Ford, Mark Durgan, Martin Franklin & Cheap Machines.

Gene Pool#44: Dance for Screen

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Fri, 08 Apr 2011 21:08:01 +0100

Development of new forms and representations in Dance for Screen. Our XTEND V collection of international artist films in this genre was shown at South Hill Park and projected large scale on the wall of Oxford Castle during the Oxford Dance Festival 2011. An edited selection of some of the films were screened before main features in the Phoenix Picturehouse Cinema in Oxford, during the festival period. After the Oxford Castle screening, we spoke with XTEND artists Ana Barbour and Katy Pendlebury, along with sound designer, Shakeel Asoof in the basement of the bar that was hosting the festival’s VIP reception. Conversation covers their work as artists and the collaborative process that helped them bridge choreography, film-making and composition. More: www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#43: Beyond Surveillance

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 31 Mar 2011 22:19:19 +0100

Do the technologies of surveillance increase our safety, or is it just “Security Theatre”? What are the future implications of the data-trace left by a new generation brought up to share their personal life on Facebook? What’s the hidden price of the free online services we use? Many interesting contemporary topics discussed in the post-screening discussion by artists whose work features in the “Beyond Surveillance” collection of artist films. Jamie Wyld chairs the discussion with curator Manu Luksch and artists David Valentine and Paolo Cirio.

Gene Pool#42: Firestation Arts

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 19 Mar 2011 11:56:20 +0000

The commercial foundation, social relevance and stability of the funded arts sector under question with Dan Eastmond, MD of the new Firestation Centre for Arts & Culture in Windsor. With a background in commercial entertainments, a new management company relaunched the Old Court venue in 2008 with a vision of a courageous, fluid and future facing strategy to respond to the needs of catering and venue hires and reposition themselves as an open and responsive creative. Dan Eastmond contributed a blog article to Arts Professional magazine January 2011 which covers many elements discussed in this episode. More: www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#41: Audiograft

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 20:30:02 +0000

Crowd-funding, Ray Lee’s new installation “Murmer” and Steven Cornford’s piano-bashing and benching-dragging performance at Oxford Brookes annual sonic arts festival, Audiograft, all under discussion as Felicity Ford emerges from deep cover to hit us up on Skype. Featuring excellent audio recordings from both events. More: www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#40: I/O Artist Residency

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 10:30:52 +0000

The Art of the Handmade, from clothes to tech explored with artist, Thea Stallwood. The Gene Pool show hits 40 in this episode, where we talk to the current artist participant on our I/O Artist Residency Scheme. The I/O Scheme provides opportunity for artists to experience a wide range of DIY and Digital techniques and processes during our Autumn “Digital Developments” workshop season, followed by use of rooms, facilities and support to evolve new ideas during the Winter. More Info: www.theastallwood.com

Gene Pool#39: Simon Whetham

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 08:28:24 +0000

Icelandic sagas and sounds from Pontoon Hotels in Thailand are among the pieces played during our Invisible Jukebox with globe-trotting sound artist, Simon Whetham in this episode. We spoke with Simon during the week when he was setting up his exhibition, “Active Crossover” at South Hill Park prior to it’s showing between February 4th-3rd April 2011. More Info: www.simonwhetham.co.uk www.activecrossover.co.uk www.digitalmediacentre.org.uk

Gene Pool#38: Creative Radio II

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 15:04:27 +0000

Sonic interventions, acoustic architecture and urban sounds of control are some of the audio projects being pursued for our forthcoming series of Framework:Afield shows on Resonance FM. We met with all of the contributing artists at the Royal Festival Hall for a mid-project update. Interviews and audio from Sam Levine, Thea Stallwood, Jane Pitt and Lisa Hall. Info: www.digitalmediacentre.org / www.frameworkradio.net

Gene Pool#37: Dark Net

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 19 Dec 2010 12:38:49 +0000

Alternative internet, Freenet installed and discussed during this final show of our Autumn season on Soundart Radio 102.5FM, alongside a peek into the sonic doors in Sound Diaries "Sonic Advent Calendar" project. Presented by Martin Franklin & Felicity Ford. More: http://www.sound-diaries.com http://www.freenetproject.org

Gene Pool#36: Sound Transit

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Fri, 10 Dec 2010 08:05:21 +0000

With the looming closure of the sonic airline-themed web project, Sound Transit, we book one last journey via this imaginative web site, which is the brainchild of artist, Derek Holzer. Programme presented by Martin Franklin and Felicity Ford More: www.soundtransit.nl

Gene Pool#35: Theremin Day

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 27 Nov 2010 16:29:27 +0000

Theremin Day was a sold out workshop day where participants built a 6 oscillator, photo-optic, sci-fi drone machine from electronic components, under the guidance of Mr. Underwood. This episode includes audio from the completed optical Theremin projects, plus an extract of Sam Underwood's performance of Steve Reich's "Pendulum" score, with an interview covering the Theremin Day concept and the work of Underwood's many aliases, not forgetting the forthcoming brass band Metal "Doom-pah" trio. Further Info: www.mrunderwood.co.uk www.thereminday.co.uk

Gene Pool#34: Hidden Sounds

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 21:54:51 +0000

The hidden world of audio vibrations in buildings, environment, objects, interior and exterior locations revealed. Based on our very own "DIY Contact Mic" workshop day, we talk about the what and how of building your own contact mic, before auditioning some example sounds recorded from around our building during the day. Our message on the Phonography eGroup on Yahoo, asking for submissions and gained a great response. The latter part of the show features submitted contact microphone recordings from around the World by Raoul Brand, Michael Trommer, Manual Calurano, Steve Barsotti and Udo Noll. Many thanks to all of our contributors

Gene Pool#33: Underground/Overground

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Mon, 15 Nov 2010 18:10:09 +0000

From the Victorian Sewers of Brighton to Ocean Drive in Miami, we present sonic artefacts from our sound-hunting expeditions. Amazing 3D binaural audio from a tour of the underground tunnel system below Brighton and nature and nightlife from bustling Miami, Florida, presented by Martin Franklin and Felicity Ford. More of Felicity's Miami sounds can be heard on www.sound-diaries.com Info: www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool#32: Electronics for Artists

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 00:01:19 +0000

The maker of Southwold Pier's Cycle Pong, Iain Sharpe leads a weekend mixing electronics theory with it's creative application. Throw in an Arduino micro-processor, and you've got a programmable sound and light sequencer. We hear interviews and atmospheres from the "Electronics For Artists" weekend at South Hill Park.

Gene Pool#31: Creative Radio

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 02 Nov 2010 09:46:39 +0000

Fragments of conversation, interviews, sound recordings and demonstrations from the "Field Recording & Creative Radio" weekend with Patrick McGinley. This programme documents the origin of planned a 4 part "Framework:afield" series. Info: www.frameworkradio.net www.digitalmediacentre.org The Gene Pool Radio Show is presented weekly at 7pm on Wednesdays on Soundart Radio 102.5FM.

Gene Pool Podcast#30: Jonathan Coleclough In Concert

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Wed, 20 Oct 2010 21:22:43 +0100

Four sound artists and one Steinway Grand piano are the centre piece of this episode. We present exclusive live recordings from Jonathan Coleclough's spine-tingling performance during the sound:site Sonic Arts Festival, where he performed solo, and with the assistance of Simon Whetham, Patrick McGinley and Geoff Sawyer. More: www.october-editions.co.uk The Gene Pool Radio Show is presented weekly at 7pm on Wednesdays on Soundart Radio 102.5FM. The podcast version can be delivered directly into your iTunes via subscription from our iTunes Channel.

Gene Pool Podcast#29: Patrick McGinley

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 17:38:52 +0100

Framework broadcaster and artist, Patrick McGinley, interviewed in the Sultan Balti House, Birch Hill. We hear about the evolution of Framework's global network of field recordist contributors, the beginnings of the Phonography Yahoo group, field recording as contemporary Folk Music and Patrick's own sound work, as Murmur. Interviewed by Martin Franklin & Felicity Ford More: www.frameworkradio.net www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#28: Simon Whetham in Concert

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 05 Oct 2010 10:59:18 +0100

The first of our exclusive recordings from the Sound:Site sonic arts festival. The evening concert featured performances by Jonathan Coleclough, Simon Whetham and Framework's producer, Patrick McGinley. Each artist recreated or recomposed pieces which feature on the Framework250 double CD compilation. This episode of the Gene Pool features the performance by Simon Whetham who took extracts of each of the tracks on the compilation and performed with them, layering and manipulating the source tracks into a seamless 25 minute audio journey. More: Information about broadcasts of the Framework radio show and the Framework250 compilation can be found at: www.frameworkradio.net Simon Whetham: www.simonwhetham.co.uk The Gene Pool Radio Show is presented weekly at 7pm on Wednesdays onSoundart Radio 102.5FM. The podcast version can be delivered directly into your iTunes via subscription from our iTunes Channel.

Gene Pool Podcast#27: SoundFjord

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:23:12 +0100

Helen Frosi, curator of London's first sound-based exhibition space, SoundFjord Gallery talks about the recent launch event, and the first show by American sound artist, Yann Novak. More : www.soundfjord.org.uk www.yannnovak.com

Gene Pool Podcast#26: Reading Geek Night

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 19 Sep 2010 20:59:08 +0100

Recorded on a evening outing for the Gene Pool, when we visited the monthly Reading Geek Night: a community organised event attracting software developers, creative professionals, researchers, hackers and makers. The event features four crowd-sourced tech talks per month and provides opportunity for announcements and lots of networking. We spoke with various attendees, some only known by their Twitter handles, so many thanks to @JimAnning, @mikethebee, @digi4life, @Chris_Alexander. More Info: www.readinggeeknight.com www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#25: Jonathan Coleclough/Sound Diaries

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 16 Sep 2010 16:36:52 +0100

Extracting sound from silence – sound artist, Jonathan Coleclough talks about his installation and performance work, and explains his method of filtering recordings or empty rooms to reveal amazing sounds. Paul Whitty, talks about the Sound Diaries project and we hear examples from the “First minute of 2009″ contributed to the project from around the World. Presented by Martin Franklin & Felicity Ford. Links: Jonathan Coleclough – www.coleclough.plus.com Sound Diaries – www.sound-diaries.com

Gene Pool Podcast#24: Kathy Hinde, London Sound Survey

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sun, 05 Sep 2010 08:46:05 +0100

Artist, Kathy Hinde, more Sound Diaries and the London Sound Survey feature in this episode as part of the run up to the Sound:Site sonic arts festival on 2nd October 2010. Presented by Martin Franklin & Felicity Ford. More: www.kathyhinde.co.uk www.soundsurvey.co.uk www.domesticsoundscape.com www.digitalmediacentre.org www.codetrip.net

Gene Pool Podcast#23: Locative Media

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 18:39:08 +0100

Locative Media, with Bristol’s Pervasive Media Studio Director, Clare Reddington talking about the Studio's exciting relationship between artists, technologists and academic institutions. PM Studio's resident artist, Duncan Speakman talking about technology that knows where you are and interaction with public spaces around us and his work creating urban "subtlemobs". More Info: www.pmstudio.co.uk www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#22: Sound:Site

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 17:33:06 +0100

Preview of our sonic arts conference and performance event, Sound:Site 2010. Exploration of the British Library Sound Archive with artist, Felicity Ford and sounds of the dark Estonian night with Simon Whetham. Both artists appear at the Sound:Site event at South Hill Park, 2nd October 2010. Further info: Felicity Ford: www.thedomesticsoundscape.com Simon Whetham: www.simonwhetham.co.uk BL Sound Archive: sounds.bl.uk Digital Media Centre: www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#21: ArtWash

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 10 Apr 2010 17:57:05 +0100

A piece of Art with your Chow Mein? Artists, Kay Sentance and Ann Rapstoff talk to us about their proactive exhibition programmes hosted in a Chinese Take Away, a local launderette and door to door delivery: Take Out, ArtWash and Art Delivery. Exploring ways to activate community engagement in unlikely locations, the duo have curated a series of innovative exhibition spaces for the last 5 years, presenting live and static artworks in unusual spaces. Podcast hosted by Martin Franklin & Janet Curley Cannon. More Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#20: Circuit-Bending

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 10:47:41 +0000

Hardware hacker and circuit-bender, Stu "ASMO" Smith, interviewed during our Atari Punk Console workshop weekend, tells us all about creating strange, new electronic instruments, performing at the National Space Centre, and his residency at STEIM. Audio from the weekend event includes comments from the participants and the colossal final APC jam session. More Info: http://asmo23.wordpress.com http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#19: Found Sound Stories

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Thu, 24 Dec 2009 10:07:41 +0000

A plunderphonic performance, using field recording, contact mics, keyboards, radios, turntables, toys and MiniDisc. Original recordings from our "Found Sound Stories" workshop weekend at South Hill Park, led by Janek Schaefer in November 2009. The full version of this recording was broadcast on the "Framework: afield" show on Resonance FM, Dec. 2009. http://www.murmurings.com/radioshow.html for details and the Framework podcast. Recorded and Produced by Martin Franklin, featuring audio and performances from: Janek Schaefer, Margaret Marks, Thea Stallwood, Sam Levine, Matt Rose, Felicity Ford, Sarah Britten Jones, Sheralee Gordon, Matt Scoins and Tom Menday.

Gene Pool Podcast#18: Artist-Led Spaces

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 21:34:28 +0000

Nikki Pugh of Birmingham hackerspace, FizzPOP and Julie Hoyle from Ochre Print Studio, Guildford join us to explain their differing approaches to housing facilities for their creative communities. Podcast hosted by Martin Franklin & Janet Curley Cannon. More info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org

Gene Pool Podcast#17: Emilia Telese

martin@digitalmediacentre.org (Digital Media Centre) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:53:05 +0100

Artist, Advocate and A-N magazine's NAN Scheme Co-ordinator, Emilia Telese joins us for a discussion that ranges from Brain Machines and MacJob's to Artist networks and issues around the valuation of culture in the UK and abroad. Emilia's own work has moved from digital media and sound work, through interventionist performance which articulates ideas around social politics, celebrity, religion and individual freedoms. Join our listener mapping project by emailing: martin [at] digitalmediacentre [dot] org, saying where and when you listened to this episode. Further Info: http://www.digitalmediacentre.org http://www.emiliatelese.com