Cicadian rhythms

May 06, 2023, 09:00 AM

"Listening to the pure sound of recorded cicadas, I was struck by the way sonic interference could sometimes cause pulsing, phasing and even clapstick type toned clicks – all rather reminiscent of traditional Australian musical instruments. It made me wonder just how much the sound of those instruments may have been influenced by mimicry of the cicada sound – cross-species cultural appropriation, or an homage to its spirit? I chose to embrace the latter view, and in a similar mode I have felt free to electronically tease out harmonic overtones from the cicada sound."

Australian cicadas reimagined by Simon Le Boggit.