About this item

In contemporary usage, genius loci refers to a location's distinctive atmosphere, or a 'spirit of the place'...

"Genius Loci" is a new audio work by sound artist Brian d'Souza (fka Auntie Flo). Referencing the notion of the protective 'spirit of place' from ancient Roman times, d'Souza used a vintage accordion to capture the acoustic properties of the Het Hem building in Zandaam, Netherlands. A former munitions and gun testing factory, Het Hem is a space full of character made up of a range of rooms that each hold a different acoustic property. d'Souza is interested in the connection between sound and space, using the accordion as a sound source with a variety of microphones placed around each room to capture the resonance and reverberation. The results are presented as part of an immersive audio visual website which incorporates generative audio technology developed by d'Souza's Swell Studio in collaboration with The University of Arts in London and is now available at
https://thecouch.hethem.nl/genius-loci/ 

A State of Flo supports Earth Percent. 10% of the revenue generated from this release will be paid to environmental charities.

STAFF COMMENTS

Matt says: Brian D'Souza is a true maverick experimentalist. In comparison to his mycelial focussed release also out this week, "Genius Loci" highlights the reverberation characteristics of a munitions and gun testing factory in Holland. Utilizing a vintage accordian for the process! It sounds batshit, but the sonic fruits are a delight on the senses. Slow, long-form tracks that capture the eeriness of both the environment and instrument.

TRACK LISTING

A1. Grey Space
A2. Expo 1
B1. Shooting Range
B2. Expo 2