Voyage with dublab into new worlds. Each week we present field recordings that will transport you through the power of sound. Metabolic Sonics specializes in exploring the captivating sound waves and vibrations of the web of life. The Metabolic Studio is an interdisciplinary art and research hub based in Los Angeles, California directed by artist Lauren Bon. The studio addresses critical social and environmental issues through art interventions and innovative projects aimed at reparation.

Each week we will bring field recordings of Metabolic’s current project Bending the River, and archival material from past ventures. Bending the River is an adaptive reuse of the LA River infrastructure that reimagines the relationship between Los Angeles and the river that brought it into existence. This is Metabolic Studio’s third expedition into the river- opening up the concrete jacket of the river, creating the intake structure, placing the terra cotta pipes, and shoring up the 200’ horizontal borehole that will carry water to the well for distribution to the surrounding community.

With this recording we feature the sounds of a steel silo that has been transformed into an aeolian harp. On the shore of the Owens Valley Dry Lake in Payahuunadü, CA, the Sonic Division’s first aeolian harp prototype was built using fence posts, weed-wacker wire and metal drums. Using the data from those early experiments, the Sonic Division strung long metal strings along the length of an 80 foot tall silo and connected those strings to massive musical-style metal bridges. This action converted the silo itself into an aeolian harp that acoustically transmits the Payahuunadü desert wind frequencies directly into the silo itself. The resulting sounds are what we hear in today’s episode. Tune-in, open up, and venture out there as we take excursions into evocative audio fields together.