Sound artist, nature beatboxer and composer Jason Singh performs his live soundtrack to John Grierson’s monumental 1929 silent documentary film ‘Drifters’, which tells the story of Britain’s North Sea herring fishery. Jason Singh is Artist in Residence for our 2025 Earth Unwrapped series.

Originally commissioned by the British Film Institute, Jason Singh‘s critically acclaimed, and unique solo score combines live vocal sound effects, beatboxing techniques and live sampling using d&b audiotechnik’s Soundscape system to create a thrilling and immersive cinematic experience.

“Performing my live vocal score to John Grierson’s 1929 silent film Drifters at Kings Place as part of my Earth Unwrapped residency is a dream come true. To celebrate this, I will be presenting a brand new version of the live performance using D&B Audiotechnik’s Soundscape immersive audio technology. Already an immersive experience, I wanted to create something new which would further enhance and communicate the incredible story of the herring Fisherman’s daily lives using cutting edge audio technology. By using the Soundscape system I am excited about the new ways I can use my voice through beatboxing, Indian vocal percussion, vocal sound design and effects to create a deeper immersive experience.  Drifters was released in 1929 and premiered alongside Battleship Potemkin. It is a deeply important story of community, struggle, technology, wildlife and industry which resonates as strongly today as did over 90 years ago. I can’t wait to bring Drifters in Soundscape to Kings Place in January 2025.” Jason Singh

Supported using public funding by Arts Council England.

This event in suitable for children aged 14+. It will last approximately 1 hour, without an interval.

About Jason Singh

Jason Singh is sound artist, nature beatboxer, producer, dj, curator, facilitator and performer.

Jason’s life and work is rooted in listening. He follows a multi-sensory and cross-species approach to sound and music. His creative output is an exploration of the natural world, voice and a wide range of music technologies. Works includes live performance, immersive installations, studio recordings, music for film and theatre, deep listening and well being experiences, sound walks, broadcasts, music workshops, podcasts, soundtapes and immersive DJ sets.

Collaborations and commissions include a diverse range of organisations and artists including BBC, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, V&A Museum, Earthshot Prize, WOMAD, Kew Gardens, Chester Zoo, SONOS, Luke Jerram, BFI, Celtic Connections, RNLI, National Trust, Tate Britain, Nitin Sawhney, George Ezra, Big Narstie, Yazz Ahmed, Shabaka Hutchings, Sebastian Rochford, Leafcutter John, Graham Massey (808 State), Natacha Atlas, Sarathy Korwar, Talvin Singh and Rokia Traore to name just a few.

Jason is an associate Soundscape artist with D&B audiotechnik

“incredible musician and experimenter” Nitin Sawhney
“the human sampler” Cerys Matthews (6 Music)
“beautiful, strange, calming music” Robert Macfarlane