What is „silent“ about this webpage? And what has it to do with radio? – This website is full of sounds, and what is available there, in best artistic quality, are audiofiles „on demand“ or podcasts, not a linear (radio) program. However, the term „radio“ in the title is the aesthetic point of reference and directs the attention to the multitude of radiophonic composition principles, which inspired all of the 50 pieces presented here. …more

The young Lebanese artist Mazen Kerbaj describes his composition „Starry Night“ as “a minimalistic improvisation by: mazen kerbaj / trumpet, the israeli air force / bombs“. His sound work, which can be heard as an excerpt on the Internet, is indeed based on the soundscape of the Israeli airraid on Beirut, which Kerbaj experiencecd in the night from July 15-16, and which he recorded.

Explosions, sometimes near, sometimes further away – mixed with rough drones. They remind of a didgeridoo sometimes, or of conventional European style trumpets. They colour the strong and frightening noise with an irritating tapestry of sound. It seems like the artist trying to ensure his own still being alive, and expresses at the same time the timid and as well as courageous intention not let go off what is essential for an autonomous life: being perceptive and creative.

His weblog http://mazenkerblog.blogspot.com offers even more materials and sounds, as well as drawings, texts and comments from worldwide users, who give feedback to what Kerbaj reports about daily, under the constant threat of Israeli bombing, from his own experience.

During the last ten years, the Internet has become an important place for art production. This becomes significant within the frame of the huge sound art festival “Sonambiente 2006”, which takes place from June 1 – July 16 in Berlin. Approximations/Contradictions, the net-based audiovisual installation by Belgian artist Ana Torfs, was chosen to become part of this festival. Torf created a series of very personal portraits of singers. Its musical foundation is the „Hollywooder Liederbuch“ by German composer Hanns Eisler, created during his exile in the USA 1942/43. …more