'Environs' continues my interest in exploring the musical and structural implications of using recognisable sound sources. Indeed, the piece contains almost exclusively everyday sounds (the unidentifiable sounds being derived from the recognisable). I have used the sounds for their physical connotations as well as for their acoustic properties and musical potential. Thus creating different levels of meaning.

I have created different sound environments. Each environment having its own environs, or perimeter, defined by a door motif. Gradually these perimeters are broken down, as sounds occur in increasingly bizarre contexts. 

During this dialogue, sounds familiar to us are transformed into different material and from one source to another. Eventually even the opening and closing doors themselves are taken out of context and developed upon.  Further sections develop material to create longer sequences, exploiting the ambiguities which can occur when using recognisable sounds, out of context, along side each other.

'Environs' was composed between mid 1996 and early 1997 in the electroacoustic music studios at Bangor University. It is available on the ICMC98 CD (from the International Computer Music Association).

Environs

Rob Mackay is a composer, sound artist and performer. He gained a degree in Geology and Music at the University of Keele, studying composition there with Mike Vaughan, before going on to complete a Master’s and PhD with Andrew Lewis at the University of Wales, Bangor. Currently he is a Reader in Creative Music Technology at the University of Hull.

Recent projects have moved towards a cross-disciplinary approach, including theatre, audio/visual installation work, and human/computer interaction. Prizes and honours include: IMEB Bourges (1997 and 2001); EAR99 from Hungarian Radio (1999); Confluencias (2003); La Muse en Circuit (2004 and 2006). His work has received over 100 performances in 16 countries (including several performances on BBC Radio 3). Currently he is working with percussionist Evelyn Glennie on a composition project as part of Ruskin Rocks (http://www.leeds.ac.uk/ruskinrocks/).

He has held composer residencies at Slovak Radio (Bratislava), La Muse en Circuit (Paris), and the Tyrone Guthre Arts Centre (Ireland).

He is an improvisor working across many genres, and for several years played with the improvisation ensemble 'Imp'. He has also enjoyed improvising with Rhodri Davies and Jez Riley French. He has played, written and produced in a number of bands and ensembles, including the Welsh Hip-Hop collective 'Tystion' with whom he collaborated alongside John Cale on the film ‘A Beautiful Mistake’, as well as recording two John Peel sessions on BBC Radio 1 and supporting PJ Harvey. More recently, he has done session work for Gowel Owen and Euros Childs as well as playing in the Welsh Afrofunk outfit 'Drymbago'.

6 CDs including his compositions are available. More information and pieces at: www.digital-music-archives.com and http://www2.hull.ac.uk/fass/dramamusicandscreen/ourstaff/musicstaff/robmackay.aspx

Environs

Robflute