Inside Voice is a series of sensory-immersive live shows that mean to move us into more sustainable ways of relating to ourselves and the natural world. Taking the tools of the Silent Disco – interconnected RF wireless headphones – and applying mycelial thinking to it. These shows will be designed with nervous system regulation and aftercare in mind.
Why wireless headphones?
Each pair of headphones is noise-cancelling and has its own volume control which allows people to be standing or sitting many feet apart from each other and from the performer without sacrificing the quality of the show. This means we can essentially perform anywhere without worrying about bylaw-enforced noise restrictions or choosing venues with proper sound equipment. Being more creative with our choice of space also means being able to be more immuno-friendly, sensory friendly, and contextual to the content of the show.
What kinds of shows have you performed?
Thus far, I have only been experimenting with Inside Voice via my musical project PARTYGIRL. My first show was called COME BREAK UP WITH PARTYGIRL which invited people into the intimate space of a fresh break-up. I have also performed my experimental, fully improvised project Sonic Orgasm, and a full-length performance of my album BOKKIE, accompanied by Ardea. All three shows were immersive with locations, set, and costumes picked carefully to create a seamless and cohesive emotional container.
Do you plan on including other artists as part of Inside Voice?
While I do hope to eventually expand this project to include other artists, there has been a steep learning curve in terms of making the process to build a headphones show viable for other artists. My hope is to continue to seek out funding to provide scholarships for other artists to work with me to produce and program shows and other immersive events. To truly meet the ethos of Inside Voice, care needs to be taken beyond a plug and play approach. For one, the dynamic range of the headphones differs from traditional headphones and speakers. There are also important considerations in terms of locking people in to such an intimate sensory experience. Care is centred in this project and I would rather build something slowly and conscientiously than rush and create a potentially unpleasant or activating experience for someone who was looking to be taken care of in a certain way.
Inside Voice was made possible with the support of the Awesome Ottawa Foundation, Jeff Watkins, Breezehill North Studios, and Sound Off Experiences.
PARTYGIRL 