NEWS: Listening to Sunderland Underwater @ Roker Pods, Sunderland

Ever wondered what it really sounds like underwater? Unfortunately, even if we tried, we’re only likely to hear muffled noise; our ears aren’t suited for being able to hear what lies beneath the surface. Yet, through using a hydrophone, field recording artist David de la Haye is allowing the chance for curious minds to know what it really sounds like below the rolling waves (and you won’t even have to get wet).

As part of World Water Day on Tuesday 22^nd March, de la Haye is transforming the Roker Pods on Sunderland’s sea front into a sound installation offering an auditory exploration of the aquatic world. While being surrounded by the North Sea, the installation showcases unheard recordings from surrounding docklands, rock pools and freshwater zones. Presented alongside the recordings will be sound responses from local improvising musicians Adam Stapleford, Graeme Wilson and Mark Carroll as well as an accompanying film to help give an environmental context to de la Haye’s work. Rounding off the event is a panel discussion with Sunderland University and the UK & Ireland Soundscape Community, allowing people to get even greater insight into the work from leading figures in the fields of sound and ecology. If you’ve ever wondered what sounds really lie beneath, don’t let this opportunity wash over you.