Scale by Tristan Louth-Robins

Two new compositions created in conjunction with joint artist exhibitions, Edward James' "Secret Name" and Jenn Brazier's "Gilding Untruths". Exhibited at the Packing Shed (Hart's Mill), Port Adelaide from the 18th to 27th November 2022.

An installation work entitled "Scale" (2022) compliments these works in the main exhibition space.

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Both of these compositions are responses to aspects of the Hart’s Mill space and surrounding areas in the Port River precinct.

"Lambda Field" is an improvised composition performed in the historic Packing Shed of Hart's Mill. Loudspeakers of various sizes and wattage were arranged on the floor of the space with sounds distributed to them from a station incorporating a small modular synthesiser, iPods and amplifiers.

Some of the loudspeakers were clustered together in groups of a few, whereas other solitary speakers were 'prepared' or were 'autonomous' units powered by a rechargeable battery that had a single sound source from a tiny mp3 player. The placement of the loudspeakers, their clusters and general function were determined by two considerations: a) the spatial impression achieved by each of the sound 'elements' individually, in proximity to each other, and as their homogenous sum; b) the placement of the loudspeakers, cables and components in relation to blemishes, marks and spatters of paint on the surface of the floor, lending impressions to supposed relationships between sound and surface details.

The material for "Lambda Field" was derived from an array of sources (field recordings, reconstituted sounds) that was composed with the aim of rendering a dynamic weave of sound that articulates the diffuse qualities of the large space. As the rafters, roof and frame of the space are partial to creak and groan in the wind, as well as buckle and pop in the sun, the composition also affords acoustic space for these sounds to appear if they choose to. Further afield, the peripheral sounds of vehicles and voices may be heard.

A version of “Lambda Field” (Track 3 of this album) was performed in the space for an audience at the exhibition opening on 18th November 2022.

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“Shadows From A Column” is the composition incorporated into the installation work, “Scale”. The composition took its inspiration from the two large grain silos located in an adjacent room to the main Packing Shed space. An hour of interactions with the silos were recorded - specifically involving the articulation of the silos physical and resonant properties. Some methods to interact with the silos included using my hands, nuts, mallets, transducers and a saxophone.

The composition is - in the first instance - an homage to these silent silos: shuttered off from the public, removed of utility (both conventional and unconventional) yet possessing impressive physical stature and acoustic properties that may be coaxed at a touch. This sentiment of the unremarked is extended to other objects possessing ‘hidden sounds’ in and around the wider Port River precinct, as well the more diffuse events which might be caught at the margins in the act of recording.

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Field recordings made in Hart's Mill Packing Shed and Port River precinct, Port Adelaide, October 2022.

"Lambda Field" recorded at Hart's Mill Packing Shed, 16th November 2022.

"Lambda Field (live performance)" performed and recorded at Hart's Mill Packing Shed, 18th November 2022.

“Shadows From A Column" composed, mixed and mastered by TLR at Studio Maurilia, October-November 2022.

Tarntanya/Adelaide- based artist.

Image: Sam Roberts

tristanlouthrobins.com