Open Source: How to approach experimental field recording on a budget hero

Creative Coding

Open Source: How to approach experimental field recording on a budget

Many people are put off doing field recordings because it sounds like an expensive hobby. Most of us don’t have Chris Watson’s hi-tech kit nor the budget to take a

Level

All levels

Duration

59m of video content

Format

Self-paced video

Course overview

Many people are put off doing field recordings because it sounds like an expensive hobby. Most of us don’t have Chris Watson’s hi-tech kit nor the budget to take a flight to Argentina and record the crackling sounds of melting glaciers.

Award-winning sound artist Frazer Merrick specialised in more attainable methods and down-to-earth methods of approaching field recordings which still create incredible results. He uses solar panels to turn light into complex rhythmic and harmonic patterns, contact mics to extract rich sounds from simple objects, and simple in-ear mics to make cheap and discreet binaural recordings.

In this talk, Frazer Merrick gives a guide to the equipment and methods he has used in his artistic practice that has helped him evolve a more DIY and experimental approach to field recording.

Course content

Watch back the Open Source

3 videos

+
  • Introduction
    Checking access...
  • Talk by Frazer Merrick
    Checking access...
  • Closing remarks
    Checking access...

Instructors

Frazer Merrick

Frazer Merrick

Instructor

Frazer Merrick is an expert in field recording, circuit bending, and DIY instrument building. He creates carnivalesque experiences that transform spaces and objects while encouraging the audience to become a curious performer. From a keyboard made of bananas to playing a gig underwater, Frazer’s work is curious, interactive and playful. He has exhibited at galleries including Firstsite and Focal Point Gallery, performed at venues such as Snape Maltings and Colchester Arts Centre, and had compositions aired on Channel 4 and the BBC. Frazer is the co-founder of the award winning social enterprise, CLIP Sound and Music CIC.

Open Source: How to approach experimental field recording on a budget