World closing down

"Migration is movement. It may be escape or connected with ambition and dreams. We selected ‘019 Amazing Grace’ because of its connection with the uplift of the spirit. This was our starting point. The end of the field recording repeats ‘closing down sale’ and this prompted a vision of closed borders. The juxtaposition of being uplifted and closed down reflected the journey that we often find ourselves on as we migrate from one part of life to another. 

"We collected our own sound recordings to weave into the original. This included The Kimberleys' live performance of ‘Old England’ at the Islington Folk Club (permission granted to use this extract). Rowing around Derwent Water allowed us access to the sound of oars hitting water and conjured up images of those travelling across water to find a better place. A further recording of a street musician singing has been woven into the track to further lift the spirit of the traveller.

"We may find ourselves isolated. We may need uplifting. We may need a fresh start. Our final piece reflects that whilst the world may be closing in around us, we must lift our spirits and continue the journey."
 
Amazing Grace in Peckham reimagined by Caroline Grimshaw and Stephen Mugford.

Part of the Migration Sounds project, the world’s first collection of the sounds of human migration. 

For more information and to explore the project, see https://www.citiesandmemory.com/migration