These works explore a process of returning, retracing and re-listening in urban space that took place between 2016–19; revisiting multiple sites within the cities of Kaifeng, Narrm (Melbourne) and Suzhou. Nine compositions form a set of sonic relations between neighbourhoods undergoing urban transformation in Australia and China.
Recordings were made within Kaifeng in Shangyedayuan, Xincheng, Ganlangcheng, Xihu, Jinming, Yuantai Park, Long Ting, Zhuxianzhen, along the perimeter of the old city walls, Xisiqiao and the Huanghe; within Suzhou in Huqiu, along Laodonglu, the Old Town, Jinji Lake, Muduzhen, Xinhai Industrial Park, Baiteng Arboretum and Shihudonglu; and within Melbourne in Brunswick, Victoria Market, the central business district, Chinatown, Royal Park, Altona, Point Cook, Fishermans Bend, South Melbourne and Docklands. Compositions were assembled between 2017 to 2022.
Compositions: Byron Dean
Design: Paul Mylecharane
I acknowledge the Wurundjeri people, the Boon Wurrung people and the Wathaurong people of the Kulin Nation as the traditional owners of the unceded land on which this project was undertaken. I pay my respect to their elders; past, present and emerging.
Thanks to Philip Samartzis, Ben Byrne, May Huang, Liu Yang, Huang Chunxin, Liu Meirong, Li Huihua, Jin Wen Yu, Ma Ke, Ma Xin, Guo Jing, Wang Hongpeng, Polly Stanton and Miyuki Jokiranta.
Equipment used: Sound Devices 702 & Mixpre 6, Roland R-07, Zoom H4n, Telinga Stereo Mk2, Primo EM172 capsules, Sennheiser MKH8020 & MKH8040, Barcus Berry Planar Wave 4000XL, JrF C series contact microphone, LOM Elektrousi, LOM Priezor, Aquarian Audio H2a XLR and a converted stethoscope.
This project was supported by an Australian Postgraduate Award and the RMIT School of Art.
