Blog 3 - The World Organ

'Sound is mere being. No judgement exists here.’ (Ben-David, 2021. P. 151).

'Dawn Chorus', (World Organ, 2023).

On Lowlandman’s Bay, Isle of Jura, musician, producer, and sound artist, Giles Perring launched his creation of a World Organ in 2020 (World Organ, 2023). This sonic art installation records natural environmental sounds of Jura 24/7 through a specifically assigned audio system. The arrangement of tubes transmits the ‘ever changing acoustic, harmonic layer to everything that it hears' (World Organ, 2023). Some of the recording titles include, ‘Cuckoo Returns’, ‘Storm Arwen’ and ‘Dawn Chorus.’

(World Organ, 2023).

'Storm Arwen' (World Organ, 2023).

(World Organ, 2023).

These recordings capture the similar sensation of ‘static sound’ associated with white noise or more specifically, the frequencies of pink noise such as rain. According to the National Library of Medicine, white noise such as TV static or a fan can reduce symptoms of ADHD, and improve work performance (Sleep Foundation, 2023). Pink noise is associated with sounds of gentle rain, river, and wind which more people tend to associate with sensations of relaxation. Pink noise differentiates from white noise in that with each higher octave (eight notes), the individual pitches decrease by three decibels (Sleep Foundation, 2023). According to the mental health writer Emily Mendez, our brains connect with rain as a calming, non-threatening sound due to its predictable regular pattern (Health Line, 2019).

Image from (Sleep Foundation, 2023).

Statistics from the Marine Conservation Society UK state that ‘77% of people who had visited the sea in the last 12 months said they felt happier’, and, ‘81% of people said they felt healthier when they were by the coast and sea' (Marine Conservation Society, 2023). Some further suggestions as to why many of us feel calmed by water could be: the connection with the womb of our Mothers in which we were created; historical habitat of living close to fresh water supply for basic survival such as cooking, washing, and drinking thus providing security; and the mesmerising melody of rain that can entrain our minds with its rhythm (Binaural Beats Freak, 2012-2023).

Whether it be for sensory satisfaction or for basic survival, it is clear, that as a species we are drawn to water. Perring has giving us the opportunity to listen to Jura through the World Organ. In addition, in September 2022, he brought the outside sounds of Jura inside, to Glasgow’s South Block which I was fortunate to attend. Perring performed a live concert as part of a collaborative exhibition project with filmmaker and painter Andy Metcalf, titled, ‘Exposure’ (Wasps Studios, 2021).  Along with The World Organ and fellow musicians, Perring orchestrated pre-determined time scheduled phone calls where each performer would phone during the concert, and through speaker phone contribute to the piece creatively. One of them was on top of a mountain at the time! I recall Perring referring to ‘music as a social and communicative engagement and required other performers to interact' (Perring, 2022). In a sense all participants were contributing their own being of sounds.

Both humans, the environment, and music possess the ability to communicate. Elements of communication are shown to assist healing. Scientist, Dr Masaru Emoto referred to 'music being a form of healing before it is art’ (GOYSTube, 2013). Through experimentation, Emoto has proven that the memory of water contains evidence of positive and negative impressions (GOYSTube, 2013). If we are exposed to environments with over stimulation of sensory stressors such as technology, traffic, workplace sounds, rooms full of talking people, and violent sounds such as shot guns on televisions, this possibly has a negative impact on our health and wellbeing (GOYSTube, 2013).

I consider the above in light of the recent storm, ‘Babet’ which brought many areas of Scotland to a standstill, and others to slip into cascading landslides. The storm captivated people’s attention with many flocking to witness and marvel at the raging sea; while others swam and delighted in the water of swollen rivers.

Video footage from Siccar Point 31 October 2023 - taken by Melissa Bradd.

I recall the visits I made to the lands-end where water meets soil, during the storm. The sea swirled and whirled, churned, and gurned, and belched and clenched. The shimmering ‘oosh’ and ‘ssip’ sounds simmered and spat without discernment. The ferocious waves that possessed power to destroy a boat and cast a man to death, could not defy a sea bird I watched being swallowed wave after wave. It seemed to simply sit steadfast and anchored in time itself. The resilience of this seabird taught me about our thoughts of projection, and of how something so seemingly fragile, has strength in being itself, because it is in its natural environment. Watching the waves mirror the motion like moments of life coming and going, it seemed to reflect the significance of simply being in life, and why it is important we take time to be in nature for our collective wellbeing. The world as a living organ can bring us to a point of stillness; contemplation, and to a space where possibilities can arise once again after our senses have been purified. The following quote captures the clarity of being wrapped up in our minds and the potential possibilities there are available in what we are yet to see. Through observation and listening to the natural habitat along with surrounding sounds that ‘simply be,’ without judgement; can offer us a space to consider our past, present and future. This space may present us opportunity to respond with more alertness and awareness in our collective environment.

‘There is so much to fear in what we know and much to hope for in what we do not.’                 (Rawlence, 2023. p. 281). 

References

Binaural Beats Freak (2012-2023) Why Is Rain So Relaxing? The Theory Behind the Pitter- Patter. Available at: https://www.binauralbeatsfreak.com/sound-therapy/rain-sounds-sleep-relaxation (Accessed: 21 November 2023).

Ben-David, G. (2022) Vocal Sound Healing. Hampshire: O-Books John Hunt Publishing.

GOYSTube. (2013) Messages from Water. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P78VZzaHDVA (Accessed: 11 November 2023).

Health Line (2019) How the Sound of Rain Can Calm an Anxious Mind. Available at: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/rain-calms-anxiety#Pitter-patter-lullaby (Accessed 20 November 2023).

Marine Conservation Society (2023) Ocean Facts and Stats. Available at: https://www.mcsuk.org/ocean-emergency/facts-and-stats/ (Accessed: 17 November 2023).

Perring, G. (2022) Exposure. [Performance] Attended: 24 September 2022.

Rawlence, B. (2023) The Treeline. UK: Penguin Randon House. 

Robinson, K. WebMD (2022) White Noise, Pink Noise, and Brown Noise: What's the Difference? Available at: https://www.webmd.com/sleep-disorders/pink-noise-sleep (Accessed 18 November 2023).

Sleep Foundation (2023) White Noise. Available at: https://www.sleepfoundation.org/noise-and-sleep/white-noise#references-81629 (Accessed: 18 November 2023).

Sound of Jura (no date) Sound of Jura. Available at: https://soundofjura.com/wp/ (Accessed: 18 November 2023).

Two Turntables and a Microphone (2011) Songs of Water - The Sea has Spoken. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DLtjg2ka8xc (Accessed 22 November 2023).

Wasps Studios (2021) Exposure – Andy Metcalf and Giles Perring (2022). Available at: https://www.waspsstudios.org.uk/events/exposure-andy-metcalf-and-giles-perring/ (Accessed: 30 November 2023)

World Organ (2023) World Organ. Available at: https://worldorgan.com/wp/listen-again/  (Accessed 18 November 2023).