Nairobi-born, Berlin-based sound artist KMRU’s work is grounded in field recording, noise, and sound art, and posits expanded listening cultures of sonic thoughts and sound practices, a proposition to consider and reflect on auditory cultures beyond the norms. Multidisciplinary artist Yuri Tuma will enter into a conversation with KMRU on ways of attuning to environmental sound, and field recording spectra including electromagnetic sounds – which also forms the basis for the audiovisual performance As Nature with Nick Verstand, premiering at Rewire.

According to KMRU, sounds are ecological properties of our surroundings, and affect our perception of space and our relationship with activities in our urban environments. “Different places have identifiable sonic identities relating to their specific locations and the auditory culture of the place. This became apparent to me when I first traveled to Berlin and realised how different its sonic identity is from Nairobi. Sounds communicate the different senses and properties of the respective cities. We experience these sounds on a daily basis and it is important that we know how they affect us. Since I started collecting electromagnetic sounds, my perception of everyday reality has changed. I have realised that nothing looks the way it sounds. This encourages more awareness of the inaudible and how it may affect our social environment."

After the conversation, KMRU will give a workshop Encounters with Field Recording which will discuss practical techniques as well as conceptual methods that shape his field recording practice (limited capacity). 

The conversation is presented in collaboration with Goethe-Institut Niederlande, as part of their multi-year project on listening.