If human beings had radio antennae instead of ears, they would perceive an entirely different sonic universe to that which we presently inhabit. Radio signals, created by the planet itself, surround us at all times, wherever we are. At parts of the frequency range far below that of most man-made radio transmissions, these phenomena can be thought of as a level of sonic reality beyond (although surrounding) our daily sound experience. For although radio waves are generated by vibrations in electro-magnetic materials rather than air particles (as is the case with sound waves) we nonetheless tend to think of radio as a purely sonic medium.

These naturally occurring emissions, although undetectable to the naked ear, are the sonic consequences of a number of natural atmospheric activities, and indeed, with further research, scientists believe that they have potentially much to tell us about our planet, the structure of its atmosphere, and its circadian operations.

This paper presents and discusses the development of, and possible contexts for, an interactive sound installation entitled The Earth’s Original 4 1/2 Billion Year Old Electronic Music Composition (A Work in Progress) which explores an artistic approach to these natural phenomena.

At any one moment there are several thousand electrical storms in progress around the planet. The installation takes as its starting point, and explores, the interception of impulsive electro-magnetic signals generated by lightning. A considerable proportion of radio atmospherics is due to the direct and indirect effects of electrical storms on the upper layers of the atmosphere.

The installation allows us the opportunity to hear the Earth’s own natural electro-acoustic composition, which is as old as the planet itself, and is continuously unfolding around us. The Earth’s Original 4.5 Billion Year Old Electronic Music Composition (A Work in Progress) by Robin McGinley. Also see >> [via mediateletipos]