Long Distance Dedication
2021-2023
Sound series
various lengths
Long Distance Dedication is a series of sound sculptures/performances inspired by pop music from the 1970s in response to Climate Change. The series of scores feature backing vocals from pop music arranged in the style of a Greek chorus that sings in concert with, to, and for its surrounding environment. Its themes are loss, confusion, conflict, and supplication.
Long Distance Dedication No. 3, Crosstalk
Music Direction, Carla Kihlstedt
Sound production, Carlos Alomar
2023
18:40
"For the Love of Money" (O'Jays, 1974), "The Time Has Come" (Chambers Brothers, 1969), "Fire" (Pointer Sisters, 1978), "Rain" (Beatles, 1966), "Getting Better All the Time" (Beatles, 1967), "Bad" (Michael Jackson, 1987), "Emergency" (Kool and the Gang, 1984), "I Can See Clearly Now" (Johnny Nash, 1972), Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today)" (The Temptations, 1970), "American Pie" (Don McLean, 1971), "Freedom" (George Michael, 1990), "Go Your Own Way" (Fleetwood Mac, 1976), "Heaven Help Us All" (Stevie Wonder, 1970), "Bohemian Rhapsody" (Queen, 1975)
Vocalists: Carla Kihlstedt, Adrian Chabla, Kalyn Harewood, Nina Rolle, Oscar Suh-Rodriguez, and Tom Weiser.
This work was inspired by the politicization of Climate Change, and different forms of political rhetoric around it.
It was exhibited in the front yard of Stand4 Gallery and on the NYC Ferry system as part of Bay Ridge Through an Ecological Lens.
Long Distance Dedication No. 2, Originals Mix
Sound production, Carlos Alomar
2021
14:52
“Originals Mix” fragments and collages original recordings of 1970s pop songs and mixes them with field recordings made along the New York City waterfront, and was exhibited at sites around the Governors Island south shore as part of the Works on Water 3-year triennial in 2021.
Long Distance Dedication No. 1, Sim Chorus
Music Direction and Sound production, Carlos Alomar
2021
10:10
"Sim Chorus" synthesized harmonies from a single voice as a demo reel for the piece and was installed at the base of the Hills on Governors Island as part of the Works on Water 3-year triennial, 2021.
The environmental movement began in 1970, encouraging the writing and signing of NEPA, the National Environmental Protection Act, which requires Federal agencies to assess the environmental impacts of any significant Federal actions prior to making decisions. That same year, the Environmental Protection Agency was established, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration was formed, and the Natural Resources Defense Council was created.
This sense of loss was reflected in the popular music of the decade. More chart-topping pop songs of the 70s proclaimed disillusionment and regret than in any prior decades. “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye—written in 1970—is considered a cultural catalyst in the birth of the environmental movement. These popular songs employed the standard convention of strong, harmonized backing vocals that reflected and/or commented on the pain and anguish in the refrain of each chorus.
Growing up, I was glued to the radio every Saturday morning to listen to “America’s Top 40” — the nationally franchised program by radio personality Casey Kasem playing the week's top 40 songs backward as rated on the Billboard pop charts. One of the weekly recurring program segments was the “Long Distance Dedication.”