Experimental noise, noise music in general, is characterised by music that is outside the mainstream and often utilises unconventional sounds, song structures and instrumentation. If there are lyrics, they are often abstract and open to interpretation, rather than telling a concrete story. Experimental music can sound challenging at first, but for many people that is part of its appeal. For me experimental, noisy music is lyric-less, devoid of the pop melodies I was used to, full of current sounds and disorderly murmurs. These descriptions are somewhat stereotypical, but listening to the noise music that has been produced is for the most part similar. The music produced by noise artists is often harsh and crude, making it difficult for the listener to appreciate. However, many noise artists use their music to explore different textures and timbres, creating unique and interesting soundscapes. Some noise artists are more concerned with creating an atmosphere or mood, while others focus on creating rhythms and patterns. Regardless of their approach, noise artists often push the boundaries of what is considered music, and their work is often highly experimental. Noise artists attempt to disrupt the status quo and try to push the boundaries of sound art. There is a great deal of creativity and diversity in noise art, as artists are constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in this medium. This can be seen in the work of artists who use unusual or unconventional sources of sound, or in those who explore new ways of creating sound. These artists are constantly trying to find new ways to create noise music that is both innovative and accessible to a wider audience.
Wang Furei is an artist who is very good at exploring new situations in noise music. And I really like Wang Furei’s quote about how noise appears in all parts of life and want to explore more ways of using noise music.
“To me making noise is diverse, and even if it is noise, I wouldn’t want to just stick to that noise.”
Wang Furei
Noise is the New Silence
Noise is the New Silence is an immersive sound installation, using omnidirectional speakers dispersing the noises recorded from the artist’s own body during dialysis treatment. The continuous, multi-layered, reverberating sound creates a borderless closeness, yet infinitely distant immersive soundscape, capturing mind and body to awaken a deep inner consciousness.
(就在藝術空間 Project Fulfill Art Space, n.d.)
Body Noise is based on the internal sounds during Wang Fujui’s regular kidney dialysis treatment, captured into a custom-made record. The artist was diagnosed with acute late stage kidney disease in 2019. To maintain normal functioning of the body, the artist underwent vascular access surgery, where a fistula connecting an artery and vein in the arm, allows the body’s blood to flow out and filtered through an external dialysis machine, then re-enters the body having been cleaned of toxins. The rapid flow of blood that the artist heard was a soft low-frequency rustle, like wind blowing. For this artwork Wang used a highly sensitive contact microphone and piezoelectric sensor to record the body’s vibrations, recording his own blood vessels, the sound of an internal disturbance and the body’s will to survive.
(就在藝術空間 Project Fulfill Art Space, n.d.)
The first time I heard about the concept of body noise, I was really inspired. It’s a great way to think about the sounds our bodies make and how they can be used to create music. I’m excited to learn more about this concept and explore its potential. I can put the noise inside the body in the subject of ‘the body’.