Singing the Landscape: A Meditation on Song, Sound and Community at the Fall Line of the James River
DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/ETNB-3D97
Defense Date
2019
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Fine Arts
Department
Kinetic Imaging
First Advisor
Stephen Vitiello
Second Advisor
Pamela Taylor Turner
Third Advisor
Orla Mc Hardy
Fourth Advisor
Laura Chessin
Abstract
I work in the medium of song. A multidisciplinary artist and composer, I make work that is immersive, time-based and often participatory. I interact with landscape and the complexities of American history, bringing into focus local ecologies through the lens of song.
This document accompanies my thesis performance The Sound of a Stone, an immersive exploration of song, language, ecology and locational listening performed in a 4-channel surround format. In the semi-improvised composition, I sample live vocals, mandolin and found natural objects in a combination of roots music traditions and experimental techniques. Utilizing the software Ableton Live to process and layer the samples in real time, I build a series of "songscapes" which connect to a specific site: the fall line of the James River. The Sound of a Stone premiered April 8, 2019 at Sonia Vlahcevic Concert Hall, W. E. Singleton Center for the Performing Arts, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
5-10-2019