P J E Davy (b. 1981) is a London-based audio-visual artist, composer, and performer of experimental music. His work focuses on sound & light installations, generative audio-visual compositions, his ‘space-time transition’ experimental music, and live improvised audio-visual performances.
Since experimenting with sampling and music production programming from the age of 14, he has had numerous releases and featured on renowned UK progressive house label Renaissance, been the recipient of the South UK’s Vinyl Meltdown award, and received BBC Radio 1 Essential Mix airplay of various compositions. His practice now negotiates disciplines and media, communicating concepts and sensory experiences through concerns of the intersection of technology and society.
His live audio-visual improvisations have been performed along the south coast of the UK, with DJ performances and residencies held across the UK, and Europe.
In my recent work, I have been concerned with the increasing digitisation of our lives, the effects of the internet on relationships, and our relationship with the internet, itself. Using the ‘pure’ human voice as source material, provides clear communication of concepts of social digitisation through digital audio manipulation of sound through time and space.
My work articulates questions about the relationships between each other, society, and with the technologies that infiltrate our daily lives, often mediating personal relationships and transforming the socio-political dynamics of the world. Through conceptual audiovisual installation art, I present immersive experiences that challenge the perceptions of accepted routines, bringing people together into spaces to contemplate human interaction.
Using highly synchronised sound and visuals to effectively communicate these issues allows for physical experiences that envelop the visitor within the installation space and live audiovisual performances. My audiovisual systems are designed with generative elements, creating fluid, ever-evolving, human experiences.
Projects
- Dexter - Lighting Design at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and DanceIn July, 2019, Lemon Sponge Cake Contemporary Ballet were invited to create a commissioned work. 'Dexter' was choreographed by Robert Sher-Machherndl of Lemon Sponge Cake and performed by Trinity Laban's BA3 students. Lighting Design by PJ Davy.
- A Murmuration: Sound Design/Composition‘A Murmuration’ is part of a concept album project based on flight-patterns of various species of birds. The aim of the project is not to take a data-sonification approach, but to analyse the physical motion of the birds, and the movement of the bird or flock within the spaces they inhabit. I then transpose those observations to the movement of sound within the compositional space, mimicking the flight-patterns of birds as music.
- Heads in The CloudHeads in The Cloud is a 13.1 multi-channel, omnidirectional sound and light installation concerning the digitisation of our lives through the internet. Recordings of social media, blog, and website posts, vocalised by the original, online-authors, move throughout the installation; transforming into intense, digital noise as they navigate through a central, audio-visual matrix. Caged LED lights and a central 360° loudspeaker act as a physical manifestation of the internet, presenting an audible, visual focal point for the encounterer. Heads in The Cloud presents a physical, human experience to reflect on our relationship with technology and each other, in an increasingly digitised world.
Work history
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AV Support AssistantTrinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, United KingdomFull Time
The AV Support Assistant role delivers practical audio visual and administrative support to the AV Support Department. Main duties include coordinating teachers' webinars and classes, provide frontline help desk response to staff and student technical enquiries, provide technical assistance during performances and installations, and issue audio visual equipment to the Trinity Laban Dance faculty.
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Production Technician (Sound, Light and AV))Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance
London, United KingdomFull Time
In-house Production Technician, supporting visiting companies, commissioned works, and student work in the many institution-based venues, including the Bonnie Bird Theatre. Duties include lighting and sound design, lighting, sound, and AV technical support, general maintenance of theatres and performance locations, and administrative support.
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Skills
- Experimental Sound
- Sound Art
- Sound Design
- Sound Mixing
- Sound Recording
- Sound Production
- Sound Editing
- Soundtrack Composition
- Installation Art
- Audiovisual Design
Education
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BA (Hons) Digital Music And Sound ArtsUniversity of Brighton
Brighton, United Kingdom
"Course in brief
We encourage you to fully explore your creativity on this practice-based course focusing on experimentation and innovation.
It provides an excellent foundation for careers in musical composition and sound design for film, TV and video, the games industry, radio, theatre and performing arts, interactive and new media, and sound arts for galleries and public spaces.
The course places you at the forefront of modern practice in the sound and music world, an environment where technologies are constantly evolving. You will be encouraged to engage creatively and critically with the way sound and music is represented in current media and artwork, in the heart of a city renowned for its arts and cultural scene."
Awards
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Platform Graduate Award NomineeThe University of Brighton