Sound is one of the major ways Heathrow airport impacts upon its neighbours. But what other stories can we make using the soundscape under the flight path? Aimed at budding and experienced field recordists, podcasters and anyone interested in sound, this workshop offers hands on experience aimed at unlocking hidden layers of sound, from underwater sounds, to vibrating fences, and electrical flows.

We will explore and use special microphones aimed at recording vibrations, electricity and underwater as well as more conventional techniques. The workshop will commence with an introduction to the equipment before we head outside to record the sounds in the surrounds of the gallery. We will discuss the difference between our sonic and visual experiences of space, the soundscape as a field of connection, and how to use sound to convey and explore place and acts of place making.

Participants will be offered use of contact mics, and hydrophones and there is additionally limited access to recording devices for those who do not own one.

Please bring a recording device (a hand held recorder), if you have one, and headphones. For those without a recording device some will be available on the day, but please note this request in your booking. All participants will need to bring headphones. Start and finish at Watermans.

About Kate Carr 

Kate Carr is a PhD candidate at London College of Communication. She has been investigating the intersections between sound, place, and emotionality both as an artist and a curator since 2010. During this time she has ventured from tiny fishing villages in northern Iceland, explored the flooded banks of the Seine in a nuclear power plant town, recorded wildlife in South Africa, and in the wetlands of southern Mexico. Her work has been featured in The New York Times, The Wire, Pitchfork, Fact Magazine, The Quietus, and The Guardian. It has also been played on the radio on stations ranging from various channels of the BBC, to independent stations in Estonia. Her music can be found on the labels Helen Scarsdale (US), Rivertones (UK), Soft (France) 3Leaves (Hungary) Galaverna (Italy) as well as on her own label Flaming Pines.

These workshops are part of Air Matters: Learning From Heathrow is an exhibition and programme of events that explores the politics of air.