Hidden Sounds of Coastal Arcades

Available for over a year

Piers and arcades are distinctly English shrines to the act of play, which dot the English coastline. Steeped in heritage, they still hold a place in many hearts to this day. Through a series of binaural recordings, interviews and musical composition, sound artist Frazer Merrick explores the infectious energy of Walton Pier in north Essex and uncovers its hidden sounds, including those of the people, the place and even the electromagnetic fields produced by the machines. Composed of three movements, Hidden Sounds of Coastal Arcades is based upon the architecture of the place, beginning in the bustling arcade, then moving into the cacophonous fairground and finishing above the water at the end of the pier itself. This piece is best experienced on headphones.