ANDY WEBSTER
SCRATCH RECORD COLLECTIVE
SCRATCH RECORD COLLECTIVE [2017]
Scratch Record Collective reimagines John Cage's participatory sound installation 33 1/3 (1969), which comprised 12 vinyl turntables and a collection of 300 records. Both works explore indeterminacy and chance, but reverse the source of control. Cage's open structure placed choice in the hands of the audience, who could play records in random sequences and for any duration. In contrast, this work surrenders control to the physical accidents of damaged vinyl, where scratches, warping, and imperfections determine which sounds emerge and repeat.
The installation consists of 12 record turntables, amplifiers with speakers, and a collection of damaged vinyl albums from the artist's collection. Inspired by discovering an extensive album collection rendered nearly unplayable through misuse, damp conditions, scratches, and warping, the work uses these flaws as its compositional foundation.
Multiple performers simultaneously play albums across the turntables, each starting at low volume. When a needle hits a scratch or imperfection and gets stuck, the volume for that turntable increases, bringing the repetitive loop into focus. This creates a constantly shifting, real-time collage of looped samples from various damaged records.
The project was developed with the support of students from Falmouth University and Gillian Wylde for the event FOMO at Falmouth Art Gallery, UK [2017].
Here is a recording of a performance called From Christmas Bells to Del Amitri: