Naïve Noise was an intensive, one-day composition and performance workshop for musicians and nonmusicians alike, inspired by the Zen Buddhist concept of shoshin (初心) or ‘beginner’s mind’. 

The event was held at Radio Margate (since renamed Margate Radio, and now an online only service) on 25 April 2019, and co-led by myself and experimental instrument builder and musician, Yuri Landman.

Seven participants joined Yuri and myself to explore improvisation techniques using a selection of handmade experimental instruments. A total of six pieces were created and rehearsed between 10am and 8pm, followed by a public performance. The workshop and performance was documented by Dik Ng, and an audio recording of the performance is available on Bandcamp (and very limited edition cassette tape).

The project was kindly supported by Jerwood Arts and the Weston Jerwood Creative Bursaries Programme, of which I myself am a 2017-19 alumnus.

Thank you to Holly, Hubert, Jim, Laura, Nicola, Richard and Tim for taking part.

Album and poster artwork by Sam Boxer.