Here's an insight into the world of The Advisory Circle; something you won't come across very often. If you'll assemble behind me, I'll lead you all down to the infamous Nuclear Substation.
This is one of the key places where it all started for The Advisory Circle. It was always known as the 'Nuclear Substation' to me and my friends, when I was about six or seven years of age. This looming structure seemed to watch our every move, as we swung from tree branches over the river.
Although it wasn't filmed here, fans of the 'Spirit of Dark and Lonely Water' public information film will definitely recognise a certain similarity. At the time, playing by the river really felt like being part of a public information film.
Returning there very recently, after about twenty-five years, I'm glad to report that absolutely nothing has changed. The substation is still comprised of the same components that I remember and just as importantly, the air around it is still filled with the characteristic and evocative 50hz buzzing sound that seemed to change phase as I would would walk alongside the site and the river bank. The sound had remained in my brain for years and forms an Advisory Circle building block, in and of itself.
Thankfully, today's technology allows me to capture the humming sound, using a portable recorder. No doubt my field recording will make it into a future Advisory Circle piece.
It is safe to say that without this particular substation, there would be no Advisory Circle.
- Jb.
Love things that dont change when you go back years later. Last year i had the privilege to look round our old house which we lived in till i was 10. Everything was the same.. the garden, kitchen and even the stone fireplace my father built. I felt a lump in my throat as i walked round.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the substation. It's one of the reason's i used it in my recent 'Pipesmoke and creosote' mix. Long forgotten summer's where you go on a childhood journey through suburbia to the edge of the suburbs where you come across these substations and hear the hum. Then you step over a wall or cross the river and in to the countryside.. the contrast or juxtaposition of that is timeless...
Despite the heavy dose of PIF's I received as a child, I once climbed into our village substation and removed the yellow 'Danger Of Death' sign for a dare.
ReplyDeleteFortunately I wasn't electrocuted, but maybe somebody else was due to my reckless vandalism.
If that person survived, and happens to be reading this, I would like to offer my sincere apology.
* Fingers crossed for the field recording.
Kev - I'm totally with you on your comments. I had a lot of similar experiences to you recently and the Substation is but one of those. Good to share these things sometimes and you're right about crossing the river!
ReplyDeleteFearlono - You must've heard the echoing 'jimmmmyyyyyy!' as you scurried out of there. Great story.
I to have recently had a similar experience to you KO and def agree, the old lump in the throat does make an appearance.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to share these things, and draw inspiration from them.
Thank you JB lovely post.
Those ducks are not telling us something.
ReplyDelete