Built For Sound

About

With Built For Sound conceived while strict restrictions were still in place, Jackson wanted the installation to highlight the absence of performance, while still recreating the atmosphere and excitement of the stage. Within the gallery space she is constructing a stage-set, including huge three-dimensional bold graphic paintings, lighting design and looping sound work.

During its six week run at LCB Depot, the installation will also provide a space for filmed live music performances, a hands-on synthesiser workshop, and disco events for babies/toddlers and people with learning disabilities.

Jackson says of the project: “I first had the idea for ‘Built For Sound’ during the second lockdown. We spent a lot of time at home watching old reruns of Top of The Pops and I became fascinated with the architectural stage sets and neon lights built slightly differently for each episode. I kept thinking about the stage without performers and how abstract these sets would seem, like works of art in themselves.

“At the time there were of course no live performances happening anywhere and I had a lot of friends (musicians, crew, agents and promoters) who were out of work and struggling because of the pandemic. As we didn’t know when live performance would return, this is a space built in a gallery for filmed performance rather than live performances. The set design references those old Top of The Pops sets but which in today’s context feels slightly haunted too.”

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Programme of Events:

18th December - Synth workshop during the afternoon by R10 Installation

8-9th January - Installation open to the public

14th January - Disability Disco

15th January - Baby Disco

29th January - Closing party hosted by Hoo Ha Record Club

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Jackson is an artist and musician based in Leicester, whose artwork is informed by her interest in the transience of architecture and the evolving urban landscape, in particular Brutalist buildings of the mid to late 20th Century.

She spent the 00’s on stages around the world, fronting Sheffield indie pop superstars The Long Blondes, whose vivid storytelling fizzed with dancing, desire and style. Rough Trade Records recently announced a vinyl reissue of the band’s classic debut album, Someone To Drive You Home, described by NME as “fantasy pop, performed to perfection.”

Jackson also released her debut solo album, British Road Movies in 2016, written and recorded with ex-Suede guitarist and producer Bernard Butler.

Jackson seeks to work towards the vision set out in Arts Council’s ‘Let’s Create’ strategy, whereby people can both be creative, and experience high-quality culture, through its mix of participatory activity and presentation of a high quality exhibition and performance events.