GPS triggered locative audio walks created by SOUNDkitchen

SOUNDwalker

Duration: 30 minutes

This walk explores some of the arts spaces around Digbeth reflecting on the changes that the area has seen over the years and will continue to see through continued regeneration

An interview with Richard Short, director of Centrala against a backdrop of building sounds.

Cheryl Jones discusses the history and future of Grand Union and Minerva Works.

Gavin Wade talks about the history of the building, how Eastside Projects has developed and what the future holds, all set against a backdrop of sounds recorded inside the building.

The buildings in Digbeth accommodate a diverse range of businesses. This is a montage of sounds of workshops and warehouses recorded around the vicinity.

Both aurally and visually there is evidence of the train lines surrounding this area, not least the viaduct that you are walking towards. The HS2 link between London and Birmingham is bringing with it a new wave of regeneration that will potentially change Digbeth dramatically.

The Custard Factory is currently home to many arts organisations and studios. In the past it has hosted the Medicine Bar and festivals such as Supersonic putting it at the heart of the music scene. Other clubs and venues have opened up around the area. This track features recordings made on a Friday night.

The River Rea has been engineeered so that it is alomst completely hidden but you can catch a glimpse or two of it along this route. Head to the carpark opposite Minerva works to catch a glimpse of the river before walking down river street which runs parallel. The sounds you hear are recorded three miles down the river in cannon hill park and stirchely.

The Grand Union Canal starts in London and ends in Birmingham. It used to be used for industry and commerce until competition from the railways and roads took over. Although no longer used the canal network remains integral to Birmingham and will no doubt be integrated into the regeneration of the area. The sounds you can hear are recorded using hydrophones - underwater microphones which pick up sounds and vibrations from below the water’s surface. At times you may hear rumbles from neighbouring workshops and passing trains.

a-n assembly

8 ECHOES

DOWNLOAD OUR APP TO DISCOVER THIS TOUR AND MANY OTHERS.

The Echoes

Centrala

Grand Union

Eastside Projects

Workshops

Trains

Discover more geolocated content in our apps.

Are you a creator?

Get in touch

Echoes creative apps

Echoes labs

About us