An-Ting, a London-based composer hailing from Taiwan, invites listeners on an extraordinary sonic adventure with her latest album, Lost Communications 失絡之聲. This ambitious project transcends the traditional boundaries of music, interweaving field recordings of birdsong with the textures of dark, experimental electronica.
An-Ting’s journey began with a heightened awareness of the natural world around her. “During the lockdowns in London, when the traffic and machinery stopped, I could hear nature more clearly—like different animal sounds I hadn’t noticed before,” she shared in a recent exclusive interview with Resonate.
This sparked a fascination with the intricate languages of nature, leading her to embark on recording expeditions across the globe. From the ancient forests of the UK to the remote mountains of Mongolia and the bustling cityscapes of Hong Kong, An-Ting patiently captured the unique voices of birds in their diverse habitats. “I have a binaural recorder, so it feels like I’m wearing headphones,” she explained. “It simulates what you hear from the ear… People stop and listen. When I stop, the birds must be singing, so people like to stop and listen too.”
These recordings became the foundation of Lost Communications 失絡之聲, an album that explores the complex relationship between humanity and the natural world. “Being in nature gave me a new perspective,” An-Ting reflected. “It made me realize how far we’ve separated ourselves from the wild, often making it safe but also losing a connection to something deeper. That’s something I’ve tried to express in the project.”
But Lost Communications 失絡之聲 is more than just an album; it’s a multi-sensory experience. An-Ting collaborates with her partner, a creative technologist, to create immersive audio-visual performances. “Creative Technologist Ian Gallagher creates multimedia elements for the live performance. So, the performances are audiovisual, blending the music with visual elements,” she said. These visuals, powered by cutting-edge AI technology, respond to the music in real-time, creating a dynamic and captivating spectacle.
An-Ting’s background in both science and music informs her unique approach to composition. “I approach bird songs more objectively,” she revealed. “Many musicians approach nature sounds based on how they feel, but I’m more about observing the bird songs—their rhythm, the quality of the sound—and then composing from that. It’s a more scientific approach to understanding and using bird songs.”
This objective observation allows An-Ting to reinterpret birdsong in a new light, revealing hidden depths and complexities within these natural melodies. “It’s like they’re communicating, though I can’t understand exactly what they’re saying,” she mused, hinting at the mysteries that lie at the heart of Lost Communications 失絡之 聲.
The album, which features tracks inspired by specific bird species and their environments, is available now on digital platforms and vinyl. An-Ting and her partner are also embarking on a UK tour this autumn, bringing their mesmerizing audio-visual show to audiences across the country.
“In London, we have an exciting lineup with a Chinese electronic music group that uses traditional instruments, and a legendary audio-visual artist named Surgeon,” An-Ting revealed. “It’s a show that’s unlike anything people have heard before, and I’m really excited to share it.” Don’t miss your chance to experience this unique fusion of nature, music, and technology. Tickets for An-Ting’s “Lost Communications 失絡之聲” tour are selling fast. Book yours now before they’re gone!
Feature Image: Chen-Chou Chang
