THE ILLUSION OF WITCHCRAFT

This soundscape delves into the dark history of witchcraft on the island of Jersey, creating an unsettling atmosphere that depicts the horrific trials and torture faced by the convicted witches. Manipulating sounds from the original sculpture of the same name, designed by Mike Woods in 2006; the soundscape portrays the unsettling journey of these accused individuals, evoking emotions of fear, injustice and mystery.

"...it is therefore strictly forbidden to all the inhabitants of this island to receive any counsel or assistance in their adversities from any witches or diviners, or anyone suspected of practising sorcery, under pain of one month's imprisonment in the castle on bread and water..."
"...i cannot say there are no witches, but since the difficulty of convicting them has been recognised in the Island, they all seem to have disappeared, as though the evidence of time gone by had been but an illusion..."

THE ILLUSION OF WITCHCRAFT

📍 LONDON, UK / JERSEY, CI
💿 EXPERIMENTAL MUSIC DUO
SAMPLED EDGES is a collaborative project by composers Sam Pugh and Emily de Gruchy. This project brings together their passions for contemporary compositional techniques and electronic music production. Their music consists of soundscapes rooted in experimental nad ambient sensibilities; complemented by elements of glitch, spatialization, indeterminacy, and sampling.

Sam Pugh is a contemporary composer and double bassist from Watford, England currently studying composition and performance at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance for my Master’s degree. His compositions showcase a unique style, using intricate harmonies and rhythmic complexity, and drawing inspiration from a range of classical, experimental, and electronic music; always working to push the boundaries of contemporary classical music through his performances and compositions.

If you are interested in working with Emily, please email degruchycomposer@gmail.com 🧩💭

Emily has worked with several ensembles & soloists, including the performer-composer Sam Pugh, Terra Invisus, the Carducci Quartet, Sandbox Percussion, the Riot Ensemble, the Hermes Experiment, Transitions Dance Company, the Manchester Contemporary Youth Opera, the Royal Holloway New Music Collective, and the National Centre for Early Music. She has also been commissioned by several cultural organisations, including Jersey Heritage, ArtHouse Jersey and Art for Guernsey.

Born and raised in Jersey, Channel Islands, traditional Jèrriais culture often influences her compositions, providing a unique amalgamation of French and British sonorities. In recent years, her career has moved towards sonic art and soundscapes, which has led her to collaborate with and compose for cultural heritage and charity organisations - something that she enjoys deeply, and has aimed to bring her prior experiences from working with many professional ensembles back home to Jersey.