West Midlands Rail Installation

Calico

Sound Designer and Composer

Calico were commissioned by West Midlands Rail to create an installation in University Station (Birmingham). Through the verbatim voices that Calico have collected over the past few years, the installation explored how fem people might navigate public space if they felt safe, also reflecting the reality of how many people are forced to experience the spaces around them.

The sound of the installation was centred around the verbatim, but also integrated field recordings of train stations in Birmingham, to gently manipulate the atmosphere of the space around those who stopped to watch and listen.

Compositionally, I primarily aimed to create a feeling of hope. While the work addressed current issues, the key focus was on reclaiming public spaces, so we wanted the installation to provide a sense of empowerment.

Video by Millie Hawkes

Music and Sound Design by Fraser Owen