Gregg Wagstaff: Sounding the Cut

My artistic development has been marked by an increasing interest in sound and the
sonic environment - soundscape.This has led to a broader concern for the natural and
socio-economic processes that give rise to these changing soundscapes. My work is that
of an ‘artist-as-soundscape-researcher-as-sonic-ethnographer’. Besides using sound as a
means of sonic exploration and documentation, my work is an enquiry into a place and its populations. Whether designing soundscapes for interpretative exhibits or ‘composing’ them for concert or installation contexts, the common purpose is one of raised aural awareness and a deeper understanding and appreciation of life’s web.
Sounding the Cut, comprises three audio works: (1) A guided soundwalk with Malcolm
Freeman from Galton Valley Canal Heritage Centre - visitors / listeners to ‘the cut’ (canal)
can borrow a portable cassette player from the centre then, following a given route along
the tow path, listen to commentary about the area’s heritage. (2) An audio CD which reveals more of the cut through additional walks, talks and soundscape recordings made along the canal. (3) A more abstracted montage and remixing of some of this material to be listened to along the canal.