Noise Maps (2024)
for a group of cyclists of undetermined size
duration: 5km, can be customised for the location
written for/during the Cycle Up! residency in Tartu (EE)
Still from footage by Maanus Kullamaa
Noise Maps can be seen as a musical bike ride or a bike ride musical (or a ride with bike music). It is a tour in which the participants have to ring, sing, and "play" their bicycles. The score is written for a 5 km bicycle ride and customised for the route. During the tour, the group passes instructions and literally performs them "on the go."
Additionally, the cyclists transform their bikes into sound objects by making some minor changes or additions to the vehicle during specific stops in the tour. These "bicycle preparations" become part of the soundscape when the group is riding.
The score is taking into consideration factors such as distance, risky areas, change in surroundings, and bridges. However, the piece is developed in a way so that it can easily be transformed to fit other places.
Excerpt from the score
Singing instructions on the road
The first edition of Noise Maps took place in Tartu (Estonia) in August 2024 during the Cycle Up! residency in cooperation with TARTU2024 capital of culture, and the TYPA - center for printing and paper arts.
Part of the musical instructions.
The text is based on a workshop in Tartu, where people answered the question, "What does cycling mean to you?"
Answers included "speed," "joy," and "fresh air".
The Residency is implemented as part of the Cycle Up! Project, co-financed by the Creative Europe programme of the European Union. This project is funded by the European Union. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor the EACEA are responsible for the opinions expressed.