ANDY WEBSTER
Scratch Record Collective is a sound installation that transforms the imperfections of damaged vinyl into a distinctive, evolving soundscape. The artwork comprises 12 record turntables, amplifiers with speakers, and a collection of damaged vinyl albums from the artist's collection. Inspired by the discovery of an extensive album collection rendered nearly unplayable due to misuse, damp conditions, scratches, and warping, this work reimagines these flaws as the foundation for an open-ended audio experience.
The piece operates with several performers simultaneously playing multiple albums across the turntables. Each record starts at a low volume. When a needle hits a scratch or imperfection and gets stuck, the volume for that turntable is increased, bringing the repetitive loop into focus. This process creates a constantly shifting, real-time collage of looped samples from various damaged records.
Deliberately seeking out and amplifying typically unwanted imperfections in vinyl playback, Scratch Record Collective repurposes damage as a productive force. It plays with the physical quirks of vinyl technology, using perceived flaws as key components of the piece. The resulting audio sculpture becomes an exploration of imperfection, one that recontextualises failure as a productive tool, offering a commentary on the nature of art, technology, and the unexpected sources of creativity.
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].