Summer 2025 # River of Sound
In partnership, Resonance FM & Extra broadcast a summer’s worth of radical radio featuring new and archival radiophonic artworks, community activism, sound art, experimental literature, documentary, innovative music and more.
The inaugural transmission of River Of Sound - a new partnership between Resonance FM and the 11th annual Totally Thames Festival, each September Sunday features 24 hours of experimental radio programming which celebrates the River Thames and all things riverine.
This week’s broadcast - the premiere programme of the series - takes us on a unique sound journey down the Thames from rising to Estuary. Hydrophonic recordings composed into an audio storytelling by Prof Tony Myatt especially for River of Sound. Also, live studio conversations led by Adrian Evans the longtime and founding Director of the Totally Thames Festival, plus a late night, live-to-air, ambient broadcast of improvised "Thames Nocturnes" by noted UK composer/soundtracker (Derek Jarman/BFI silent film series) Simon Fisher Turner on location from the riverside community led 'Hermitage Moorings’ floating Pier House near Tower Bridge.
Other programming guests include New York's stalwart WFMU radio presenter Bob Brainen playing a selection of riverine songs exploring the Thames inspired international influence as seen from afar, along with a dip into the archival recordings of the epic Thames writings of Peter Ackroyd and contemporary provocations on the hot topic of Water Rights - raising the question of ’Is A River Alive’ by leading nature and landscape writer Robert Macfarlane.
Go with the flow on our radio ebb and tide.
In order of appearance:
Ships Opera/Myatt ‘Journeying In The Thames’
Runnymede/Handel Water Music Suite 1/Piper At The Gates of Dawn
Basinski Water Music Part I & II
Warburg Nature Reserve
Peter Ackroyd ‘Sacred River’
Basinski Water Music Part IIv2
Macfarlane ‘Is A River Alive’ The Springs
Ships Opera/B Catling/J Roedel ‘Three Rivers’/Floating Points
Bob Brainen Songs Of The River