Just Listen to sound art CD

The work of 23 emerging experimental composers from Ireland is showcased on an album released this month, writes Don O’Mahony

FOR quite some time now, Cork has been a bustling location for experimental music activity and sound art practices. Founded in 2005, the one-day, church-based Sonic Vigil event has gone from strength to strength, the Art Trail has continually supported sound art events, and the Black Sun night has promoted ‘weirdo music’ from the outer fringes.

By any standards, 2011 has been a remarkable year for such sonically adventurous activities in Cork. Beginning late last year and culminating in a month-long exhibition, the Crawford Art Gallery played host to the monthly four-hour improvised performances of Strange Attractor. The last month alone has seen the release of a number of important documents. The Guesthouse artists residency centre in Shandon launched the Seesound DVD collaboration between sound and image makers. Sonic Vigil launched a cassette-shaped USB device featuring contributions from last year’s event, and Strange Attractor published a book and DVD, which was launched recently in London.