Jars: Exploring the Beauty of Everyday Objects through Experimental Music and Sound Art
Experimental music and sound art can turn ordinary objects into extraordinary musical instruments. London-based artist Rie Nakajima proves this point in her latest album "Jars", released by independent label tsss tapes on November 29th, 2019.
In "Jars", Nakajima explores the sonic potential of glass jars and bottles, using them as resonating chambers, percussion instruments, and sound sources. The seven tracks on the album range from delicate and sparse to chaotic and dense, showcasing Nakajima's skill in manipulating and transforming everyday objects into intriguing soundscapes.
But why jars? What makes them good candidates for musical experimentation? The answer lies in their simple yet versatile design. Jars and bottles come in different shapes, sizes, and materials, each with its unique acoustic properties. They can be filled or emptied, tapped, rubbed, blown, or struck, producing a range of sounds and textures. Moreover, jars have a long history of being used as musical instruments in various cultures, from African kalimbas and Brazilian cuicas to American jug bands and experimental music.
Nakajima takes this tradition further by incorporating her personal style and artistic vision. She approaches jars not only as sound makers but also as sculptural objects, arranging them in various configurations and using their transparency, reflections, and shadows as visual elements. She also collaborates with other musicians and artists, such as percussionist Billy Steiger, multimedia artist Pierre Berthet, and composer David Toop, creating a dynamic and diverse sound world.
Listening to "Jars", one can appreciate not only the musical qualities of the objects but also their poetic and metaphoric meanings. Jars are containers that store and preserve things, from food and drinks to memories and emotions. They can also be seen as metaphors for the human body, which contains blood, organs, and thoughts. In Nakajima's hands, jars become vessels of sound and imagination, inviting us to rethink our relationship with the objects and sounds around us.
"Jars" is a remarkable example of how experimental music and sound art can transform everyday objects into artistic expressions. It reminds us that beauty and creativity are not confined to specific genres or mediums but can emerge from our curiosity and imagination. It also demonstrates the importance of independent labels like tsss tapes, which support and promote innovative and unconventional artists.
If you're looking for something new and inspiring to listen to, check out "Jars" by Rie Nakajima. It's a journey through the sonic landscape of jars, filled with surprises and discoveries. Who knows, maybe you'll find a good jar in your kitchen that you can use to make your own music.