Distinctions between Sound Art and Music
In my view there is a big distinction between music and what I do - sound art.
Music is based around some form of rhythm, harmony and melody - typically using these constraints to create compositions. It also mostly employs musical instruments and voice as tools. In my view using musical instruments, scales, chords, beats etc means it is music. Even if used in unfamiliar or experimental ways e.g. prepared piano etc - it is still a form of music. Music is typically performed in a concert or club setting - and recorded as records/albums.
Sound art generally does not rely on these constraints. It is open to any forms of sonic material and production.
Often sound work is put under the umbrella of music when perhaps it should be the other way round. Also musicians may use sound such as field recordings as the background to a musical composition - therefore it is still music. Electronic musicians often tag what they do as ‘sound art’ along with musical terms. However, if there is musical intent then it is … music.
Thoughts on art. Art (including sound art) is and not necessarily something to be understood but rather something to be experienced. For example you may overhear in a gallery someone commenting on an art piece - say a pink tree for example “my child could do better”. So this person is trying to understand the art rather than experiencing it. They are trying to use their understanding of a real life tree as a comparison with the art work. Rather than trying to experience the art work as its own thing.
The same can be said for my sound art. Rather than trying to say identify where the sounds originated from - they instead just try to have an experience listening to the sounds. They don’t have to be identified.
My sound work is abstract, that is processed sound often from environmental (natural or urban) sources. It is to be experienced rather than understood.
The same goes for my still and moving image work - similar to sound - abstract, processed, to be experienced, not to be understood.
The titles of pieces are abstract and not meant to aid understanding.
© 2021 Jimmy Peggie