What is sound art?
Unlike music, Sound Art is the aural equivalent of cinema, painting, theater, sculpture, and literature. “Sound art” as a term has been variously dated to 1974, 1979, and 1982. Since then artists have taken the genre in a variety of directions. Reframing the act of listening and sound-intake, works and performances explore the progression from sound to experience.
Isn’t music sound art? So, what’s the difference?
While music tends to have structure based on cultural practice and convention, sound art tends to be conceptual and personal. Sound art frequently expresses through more than one medium such as installation, sculpture, performance art, or synesthetic experience.
Sound art has more in common with experimental music than traditional music. Many modern art music, ambient, experimental, musique concrète, drone, and noise practices overlap or share commonalities with sound art. Music is characterized by the elements and hierarchical use of pitch, melody, rhythm, tempo or meter. This genre may examine the interface on which music and sound art overlap or juxtapose musical content with sound to help further express the differences and tensions relative to aesthetics and ways of listening.
For Participating and Interested Artists
Any advice if I am new at this sound art thing?
Google “sound art” and start researching it. If some of the language or concepts seem hard to understand, that’s totally ok. Figure out what listening, hearing, and sound-intake mean to you. It’s ok to riff off of ideas that you may not completely get. Or you can keep it simple. Creative process frequently is about making the wrong answer right or the right answer wrong. We appreciate risk taking and experimentation. If you have questions, always feel free to contact Marco, artist liaison, 562 413 5868. If you do submit as a new or aspiring soundster, it’s your safest bet to propose roaming work, or doesn’t need to be plugged in to an Angels Gate power source.
As an onsite artist, what should I bring?
We advise that, in addition to your gear, you bring extra cords, power strips, duct tape, lighting fixtures (e.g. clamp lights), etc. It is a good idea to bring a friend/helper should you need to run an errand or wish to tour the event and do not want to leave your site unattended.
Is soundpedro the only sound art event curated by FLOOD?
There are also soundprints (by invitation only), and LBsoundbrowse (open call).
Do artists get paid?
No, FLOOD is an all volunteer organization. When we are onsite, we are sometimes able to provide accommodations or offer small honoraria for artists traveling from out of town (200+ miles). Know that soundpedro is not a ticketed event. We are happy to write letters of support to artists who are applying for grants.
For Visitors to the On-site Event
As a visitor, what should I bring to soundpedro?
A jacket/raincoat since it can be cold, wet, and windy. As strange as it may “sound” (HAR! HAR! HAR!), ear plugs are a good idea. Some works can get loud. Those of us who work as musicians and audio engineers always keep a pair handy in the interest of keeping our “ears clean”.
Is it kid friendly?
Definitely. On a couple of occasions, we did place a sign with a warning. Sometimes pieces are specifically designed for children.
How can I learn more about an artist or piece?
We have full artist bios and info about the pieces on this website. We also have archives of previous years.
Is there somewhere to eat near soundpedro?
Downtown San Pedro has many restaurants, about an 8 minute drive away from Angels Gate. Food trucks have attended some past events.
About FLOOD
Who puts on soundpedro?
FLOOD is a group of artists and academics, with a fluid roster of members over the years. We try not to draw too much attention to ourselves and prefer to focus on the artists that we feature in our events. Learn about the members of FLOOD.
Have there been other FLOOD events?
Yes, SoundWalk and PUMP among others.