Well known field-recordist and acoustic-ecologist Peter Cusack came to town this weekend to hold a two day workshop at OBORO, the centre for new media and contemporary art on Berri. 20 participants packed up their portable sonic devices and hit the streets to explore the creative possibilites of environmental audio recordings.

Peter Cusack (UK) is a sound artist/recordist and musician with special interests in environmental sound and acoustic ecology. His research focusses on how sound contributes to our sense of place. Some of his recording projects document areas of special sonic interest–most recently Lake Baikal, Siberia, and the Azerbaijan oil fields. He recently participated in the 'Sound & the City' Project, the British Council's sound art project for Beijing in October 2005.

Says Peter: "Successful field recording means paying close attention to the immediate environment and its sounds. So listening more consciously than normal and discussing what one hears inevitably plays a vital role... The aim is to build up listening skills and an awareness of the soundscape, as well as dealing with recording techniques and technology. Exploring the sounds of the local neighbourhood is very important ... Even places that are thoroughly familiar produce some genuine surprises and unexpected discoveries when heard afresh. This is one of the joys of field recording."

(Image from cover to Peter Cusack's album 'What Color is the Green Parrot') Link to Excerpts: