Ruth's practice explores relationships between British industrial histories and contemporary sound cultures, particularly those of her hometown Sunderland in the North East of England, Her performances and audio works use traditional choral compositional techniques as well as field recordings and live hardware processing. Some of her previous works have involved choir performances, experimental Dj sets using field recordings cut onto dub-plates and improvised harp.
Her residency will focus on experiences of euphoria and ecstasy, and the meeting points of these in contemporary dance music cultures and traditional forms of song such as hymn. Exploring harmony and dissonance, expanding on her previous choral work. While researching new performative techniques that investigate utopian listening bodies inspired by the dance-floor.
Specifically influenced by Makina, a genre local to Sunderland and how its lyricism and other sonic characteristics embody physical transcendence. She has previously created work that explores how genres such as these relate to past and present local industrial histories such as the Nissan factory in Sunderland, and the mechanical speed and form that is appropriated into sounds of Makina and Hardcore.
THE SOMERSET HOUSE STUDIOS MUSIC & SOUND RESIDENCY IS SUPPORTED BY THE YOUNG TALENT FUND