Have you ever walked through a major city in a group of 35 people, all lined up in a polonaise, not talking, not taking pictures, just listening? Be assured, it is an experience. Not only the cars lining up on the street when the group crosses like a family of ducks or the thrill of not knowing if the green light lasts for all of you. The perception of the surrounding city changes completely. You walk slowly and more consciously. It feels like a trance state where you just follow the person in front of you and unwind.

If you listen, you can be anywhere
Initiator of this special city tour is soundpocket, a 2008 founded Hong Kong based collective which focusses on sound, art and culture.„We find sound in diverse and dynamic relations with many different art forms (visual art, installation art, music, theatre, dance etc.), and with a variety of cultural contexts that give meanings to our lives. We would like to work with all those who share this active interest in sound.“, they state on their website.

Hence their field of activities is broad. Soundpocket build up a library of noises such as drilling at a construction site or the taking off of the Star Ferry. Also the support of sound related artist is one of their dedications. Since 4 years, soundpocket organizes „Around“, a sound art festival in Japan which in 2014 also takes place in Hong Kong.

Last week, two artist of the collective, Fiona Lee and Step Au, gave our „Common Stage“ group an insight into the world of sounds and led us through the noise of the North point area in Hong Kong.

For the real Hong Kong sound experience, listen to the extract of our walk. Optionally you can point a blow dryer towards your face (temperature) and make sure someone sprinkles you with water drops from time to time (air conditioning condensate) – you’ll feel like walking the streets of Hong Kong Island yourself.