Saturday 8th November was the final community field recording workshop based in Balsall Heath where I am lead composer. As the producer of the project, I found recruiting participants in Newtown and Small Heath neighbourhoods comparatively more challenging and time-consuming than in Balsall Heath.
In each area, I spent as much of my free time would allow working tirelessly to connect with community groups. I would hang around public spaces (sounds a tad sinister), to try and encourage people to be participants and learn about my ambitions for the project. I felt that most people I approached were simply trying to get on with their lives… In my mind I thought, yikes does this person think:
1. I’m trying to sell them something?
2. I’m trying to convert them?
3. I’m going to ask them for money?
In Balsall Heath, residents seemed keen to take part and places for the workshop were quickly taken. I wonder whether that’s because there is a greater presence of artists and community led events in this area?
However, on the day of the Balsall Heath workshop heavy rain meant I received lots of cancellations… only one participant arrived.
That’s right, one person! I’m kind of embarrassed, but the weather resembled this:
If I wasn’t involved in the project I doubt I would have left my house either, the weather was awful!
Ten minutes after the workshop was due to end the rain stopped.
The participant who did attend had lots of great ideas, and we mapped a route. We decided to head out the following day as the weather was forecast as sunny; I decided I would contact fair-weather Balsall Heath no-show participants to see if they wanted to join in… None obliged me.
On Sunday morning, my single participant and I awoke early to capture some great sounds. It was like a meditation walking around Balsall Heath in absolute silence, listening out for unique and curious sounds. My favourites were from the local Sikh temple and local garage.
Here are some photographs:
Here’s some audio: