Everything Sounds

In a previous episode, we visited the Rhythm! Discovery Center in Indianapolis. We shared the story behind Clair Omar Musser’s celestaphone, which is an instrument made entirely of meteorites. Matthew Altizer, The Percussive Arts Society, and Rhythm! Discovery Center wanted to share a recording of the instrument since it is one-of-a-kind and unlikely to be played again. Enjoy the sounds of Clair Omar Musser’s celestaphone and visit the Rhythm! Discovery Center in Indianapolis to see it in person!

In downtown Indianapolis, there is an interactive museum where you’re free to hit, scrape, and strike just about anything you can see. The Rhythm! Discovery Center is an excellent resource for education for anyone with an interest in sound. Matthew Altizer joins us to explore this unique percussion museum that was conceived by the Percussive Arts Society. Find out about unique items in their collection including a World War II-era Ludwig “Victory” drum set, Clair Omar Musser’s one-of-a-kind Celestaphone, and giant wind chimes.

In downtown Indianapolis, there is an interactive museum where you’re free to hit, scrape, and strike just about anything you can see. The Rhythm! Discovery Center is an excellent resource for education for anyone with an interest in sound. Matthew Altizer joins us to explore this unique percussion museum that was conceived by the Percussive Arts Society. Find out about unique items in their collection including a World War II-era Ludwig “Victory” drum set, Clair Omar Musser’s one-of-a-kind Celestaphone, and giant wind chimes.

Aleks Kolkowski is an accomplished musician and sound artist. He is the Sound Artist in Residence at the Science Museum of London. His recent installation, known as Babble Machine, takes its name from a fictional device referenced in The H.G. Wells novel, The Sleeper Awakes, and was made in collaboration with radio researcher Alison Hess and poet and historian Katy Price. We’ll walk you through the installation as it eerily blends sounds of the past and present.

NOTE: The Babble Machine exhibit is now closed.

Aleks Kolkowski is an accomplished musician and sound artist. He is the Sound Artist in Residence at the Science Museum of London. His recent installation, known as Babble Machine, takes its name from a fictional device referenced in The H.G. Wells novel, The Sleeper Awakes, and was made in collaboration with radio researcher Alison Hess and poet and historian Katy Price. We’ll walk you through the installation as it eerily blends sounds of the past and present.

NOTE: The Babble Machine exhibit is now closed.

Craig and Betty Sibongile Dlamini from Indiana University explore the role of language, music, and dance in southern African mines and the positivity that emerged from hardships endured by miners. The history and origins of South African gumboot dancing are explained in this week’s episode.

Audio examples in this week’s show are from a recording by Stephen Bess of LeSole’s Dance Project and UMOJA: The Spirit of Togetherness.

Craig and Betty Sibongile Dlamini from Indiana University explore the role of language, music, and dance in southern African mines and the positivity that emerged from hardships endured by miners. The history and origins of South African gumboot dancing are explained in this week’s episode.

Audio examples in this week’s show are from a recording by Stephen Bess of LeSole’s Dance Project and UMOJA: The Spirit of Togetherness.

Not every song can be a chart-topper. There is a Chicago-based record label that strives to archive and release music that was largely ignored in its own time. The Numero Group has generated a catalog of neglected music across many genres. Ken Shipley explains the origins, mission, and vision of The Numero Group.

Music featured (courtesy of The Numero Group):

Bill Moss – Sock it to ‘em Soul Brother (Instrumental) from Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Jackie Stoudemire – Invisible Wind (Instrumental) from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Syl Johnson – Is it because I’m Black? (Instrumental) from Light: On the South Side

The Tap Orchestra – Don’t Stop Dancin’ from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Antena – Sissexa from Camino Del Sol

The Majestic Arrows – I’ll Never Cry for Another Boy from Eccentric Soul: The Bandit Label

Our Numero Recommendations:

Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up

Good God: A Gospel Funk Hymnal

Eccentric Soul: Twinight’s Lunar Rotation

Home Schooled: The ABC’s of Kid Soul

Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Wayfaring Strangers: Guitar Soli

Local Customs: Downriver Revival

Titan: It’s All Pop!

Craig and George challenge themselves to make a dark subject lighter. They each tackle a separate story involving “death” and technology. They explore The Museum of Endangered Sounds and an app inspired by a power-deficient toy.

Music:

Norbert Herber “Two,” “One” and “Eight” from I am Ai, We are Ai. Bandai installation

Not every song can be a chart-topper. There is a Chicago-based record label that strives to archive and release music that was largely ignored in its own time. The Numero Group has generated a catalog of neglected music across many genres. Ken Shipley explains the origins, mission, and vision of The Numero Group.

Music featured (courtesy of The Numero Group):

Bill Moss – Sock it to ‘em Soul Brother (Instrumental) from Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Jackie Stoudemire – Invisible Wind (Instrumental) from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Syl Johnson – Is it because I’m Black? (Instrumental) from Light: On the South Side

The Tap Orchestra – Don’t Stop Dancin’ from Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Antena – Sissexa from Camino Del Sol

The Majestic Arrows – I’ll Never Cry for Another Boy from Eccentric Soul: The Bandit Label

Our Numero Recommendations:

Eccentric Soul: The Capsoul Label

Cult Cargo: Belize City Boil Up

Good God: A Gospel Funk Hymnal

Eccentric Soul: Twinight’s Lunar Rotation

Home Schooled: The ABC’s of Kid Soul

Don’t Stop: Recording Tap

Wayfaring Strangers: Guitar Soli

Local Customs: Downriver Revival

Titan: It’s All Pop!