fr(HK), a.k.a. Field Recording Hong Kong 香港聲景, is a cultural side project by anonymous artist(s) in Hong Kong trying to capture sound via field recording in their home town for future generation, before the sound vanish permanently.

<Cycling Trial>, the twin of the previously released EP <Radio Odyssey>, tries to explore how to use two completely different ideas to construct tracks with similar structure.

In <Radio Odyssey>, the first release of fr(HK), the artist tries to create soundscape by tuning a radio from the lowest frequency to the highest frequency. Such tuning journey allows discrete sound fragments (such as music, dialogue, new report from different channels) being scattered among the linear wall of out-of-tune noise, forming a collage-like soundscape with random audible sound fragments.

In <Cycling Trail>, fr(HK) tries to construct the same structure (random songs/dialogue fragments among environment sound) using a completely different way: A Zoom recorder was placed on the side way of a bicycle trial, and the sound of drive-by bicycles, together with other “vehicles” such as roller blade, skateboard, scooter etc., was captured. While some vehicles did have speakers equipped, the music being played by the rider was also captured. Music comes and leaves, some fast and some slow (depended on the speed of the bicycle), forming sound fragments similar with the radio tuning soundscape mentioned above.

By listening to the soundscape mindfully, audience can also try to distinguish the sound sources. Different vehicles (Bicycle with/without training wheels, scooter/skateboard) will have their own sound, and the way the bicyclist rides (fast / slow, keep riding or holding the pedal) will also create different sound. Wish you can find the enjoyment by digging out these sources via deep listening.

“All things have life, just awaken their souls.” (Xixi, quoted from an unknown Latin American author)


Radio Odyssey by fr(HK):
433records.bandcamp.com/album/radio-odyssey