Subterranean Voices

RESEARCH BACKGROUND: 'Subterranean Voices' is a site-specific electroacoustic work composed by Lacey for the 2013 Liquid Architecture Festival which was curated by Dr Philip Samartzis and Dr Kristen Sharp. It was presented as a live performance in a cavernous bunker - 'The Trench' - under Melbourne's iconic Federation Square. The project was a response to the Festival's theme 'Sonic City,' responding to the dynamics and variables of site and space. It was programmed with other site-determined artistic interventions throughout Melbourne CBD by established and emerging artists and artist groups. RESEARCH CONTRIBUTION: The work explored ways that the sounds of the everyday could be transformed in a real-world setting. This included being immersed in the space for one month listening, recording, editing and playing back sounds in real-time. This is a unique example of an electroacoustic work being played live in relation to a surrounding urban environment. It is a critical reflection of Jordan's research at the intersection of sonic arts and urban design. It also presents a method for recording environmental sounds and using a Digital Audio Workstation and midi equipment to transform real-time, real-world sounds into new, often meditative, experiences. RESEARCH SIGNIFICANCE: The significance of Lacey's project is evidenced by his selection into the programming of the Liquid Architecture Festival, which is Australia's biggest annual sonic arts festival. The event was publicised widely through media outlets such as Broadsheet, Assemble Papers and Experimental Melbourne. He was interviewed on Radio National's "Into the Music" program about the work in relation to 'acoustic architecture.'