In the fifth episode of the Blu Rose Podcast, our guest is the renowned writer and sonic artist Lale Rodgarkia-Dara, celebrated for her contribution to electro-acoustic literature. As a seasoned participant in radio workshops and community projects, Lale's focus lies at the intersection of literature, media art, and open-source technology. Presently, she is the strategic Managing Director of Radio Helsinki 92.6. Lale delves into her fascination with transforming the digital realm into analogue reception, and she discusses the obstacles confronting journalism and media freedom.
Lale opens up about her upbringing near the Iron Curtain, along with her early explorations in music and writing. She reveals a lifelong passion for radio, a fascination that began in her youth when she built her own radio and recorded songs from broadcasts onto cassette tapes. Lale underlines the significance of radio as a communicative medium, highlighting its ability to reach a wide-ranging audience.
The discussion shifts towards Lale's creative ventures, particularly her exploration of the fusion between literature and music. She elaborates on her concept of electronic literature, a form where literature isn't confined to ink on paper, but can be performed and experienced in tandem with electronic sounds. Her work seeks to blend literature and music into one cohesive entity, creating a distinctive and engaging experience.
The conversation broadens to encompass societal issues, such as the emergence of right-wing ideologies, propaganda, and the necessity for dialogue and tolerance in religious and political arenas. Lale voices her concerns about the inclination towards military solutions and the effects of structural violence on society. She argues for a pacifistic approach and the pursuit of alternative conflict resolution strategies.
The discussion also highlights Lale's recent project, "Aramesh" a radio drama which investigates the recollections of violence, war, and peace through acoustic means. Lale stresses the value of comprehending the sound of war and the experiences that come with it.
Finally, Lale discloses her current artistic pursuits, which involve working with circuits and illustrations, and a project centred on the solitude experienced by multicellular organisms. She emphasizes the necessity to reassess our relationship with technology and its influence on our perception and interaction with the world.
In summary, this podcast episode illuminates Lale Rocker Kidada's artistic trajectory, her viewpoints on societal matters, and her current projects that aim to amalgamate literature, music, and technology.
