Noise Flash.

The project is a large scale silent performance, whereby sound artists are invited to perform using electronic instruments that are self powered and make no acoustic sound (laptops, synthesisers, samplers, etc). Instead of connecting these instruments to speakers in order to make them audible, the audio signal is sent to a short range FM radio transmitter.

Attending audience members are required to bring an FM radio and headphones, and tune into the broadcasting frequency. When audience members stand close to a performer (generally within three to five meters), they can only hear that performer. As they walk away from the performer, the signal will get weaker and start to dissipate and distort, slowly degrading the signal into radio static. As they approach another performer, their signal will slowly get stronger and clearer, emerging from the radio static. When between performers, the audio signal can blend with other performers, cut out, or cause any number of sonic artifacts.

This project was undertaken twice, once at the Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens, and once as a part of the Liquid Architecture Festival at the Melbourne Museum Forecourt.

Noise Flash #1, 7th April, 2014, Royal Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

Artists: Todd Anderson-Kunert, Ben Byrne, Bleach Boys, Theorn Campbell of Pushing Buttonz, cleaninglady, Richie Cyngler, Byron Dean, Dotabata, Tim Farrell, Galway, Nat Grant, Rosalind Hall, G W Harris, HUDDUH, Adam Hunt, Dean Keep, Benjamin Kolaitis, Paul Mylecharane, Patrick O'Brien, Rhizome, Philip Samartzis, Skulls2, Smash Tennis, Sooterkin Flesh, Spasmoslop, Jez PA Speelman, Polly Stanton, Vijay Thillaimuthu, Valleys, Darrin Verhagen.