Sonic Waterfall, 2022

Red noise sound installation
18-channel sound, led light

Sonic Waterfall is a sound and light installation that creates a healing environment using sonic frequencies, relieving anxiety and creating a deep state of restoration, focus and reflection.

At the heart of the installation is a 5-metre high sonic waterfall that moves red noise frequencies and processed field recordings from high to low through 18 loudspeakers. Red noise has higher energy at lower frequencies, making it deeper than pink or white noise. Examples of red noise include thunder and powerful waterfalls. The deepness of red noise can help older adults with dementia, hyperactive children, and students study better.

The waterfall embodies our most critical life element – water. Which maintains life by repairing our cells, keeping every living being on Earth alive – every human, animal and plant.

This large-scale installation is inspired by the artist's work with Damon Albarn in Iceland [The Nearer The Fountain, More Pure The Stream Flows]. And a visit to the majestic Skógafoss waterfall, where visitors are enveloped in a cloud of spray, sound and refracted light. According to legend, a Viking named Thrasi hid his hoarded gold under the falls. Many have tried to find the chest of gold, and a young man almost succeeded. He tied a rope to the chest handle ring and pulled. He only retrieved the ring, which was later used for the church door at Skógar.

Sonic Waterfall continues our ongoing exploration into the human condition through multisensory,
collective experiences.

Credits

Commissioned by:
Barbican Centre

Curators:
Luke Kemp
FranklinTill

Concept:
Nathan Prince and Liam Paton

Sound Design:
Liam Paton

Lighting design:
Nick Gray and George Hill

Audio system consultant:
Dom Chester

Particles and Esja written and produced by Damon Albarn.

Particles:
Acoustic Guitar, Piano, Elka Space Organ, Wurltizer, Monochord by Damon Albarn.
Field Recording by Arni Benediktsson (Under the Waterfall).

Esja:
Electric Guitar by Simon Tong. Violin by André de Ridder. Viola by Alexina Hawkins. French Horn by Romain Bly and Rakel Björn Helgadóttir. Cello by Josephine Stephenson. Slate Marimba by Romain Bly. Trombone by Sigrún Jónsdóttir and Sigrún Kristbjörg Jónsdóttir. Field Recording by Arni Benediktsson (Ocean at Hellnar).

Special thanks to Eleven Mgmt and Transgressive Records.