Copper Sounds are an artist duo who use traditional and contemporary processes to explore the physical and visual nature of sound. They see sound as a malleable material and have a unique way of working with and manipulating sound, through designing and making sonic objects which they play live.

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​Their process is about experimentation and the unknown, trying things out and always thinking directly about how the object and the sound affect one another. The objects they make tell the story of their process and act as markers of their journey of transforming raw material into sound.​ They started out as an experimental record manufacturer; making records out of materials such as copper, volcanic rock, chalk and ceramic. During extended live DJ sets they mix these different materials together to sculpt a dark, fractious and industrial dance floor energy.

 

Recent work has focused on minimalist-inspired compositions, exploring the different acoustic and resonant properties of particular ceramic shapes and forms. This research culminated in ‘Sequenced Ceramics’, an immersive installation and performance piece in which large scale ceramic vessels are played by sequencer-triggered mechanical beaters, creating minimalist-inspired rhythmic compositions diffused across a multi-channel sound system. The piece was shown at The Michael Pennie Gallery, Bristol New Music festival 2022, The British Ceramics Biennial 2023 & the Indian Ceramics Triennial 2024.

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Alongside this ceramic research they began incorporating 3D design and 3D printing with traditional Bronze and Bell casting techniques, again exploring the links between sound and form. For their work in this area they were awarded a QEST Scholarship to learn about the musical relationships and the complexity of notes that bells produce, including how to create natural harmonic sequences and how to control and understand the sound of a bell. Eventually casting a new series of experimental “sonic prototype” bells in bronze.

 

​​In 2018 they toured the UK with the Outlands Network and have performed at high profile venues such as Bexhill Pavilion, Arnolfini, MK Gallery & the Royal Academy. They were recently interviewed for BBC Radio 3’s The Late Junction, and we have been reviewed and interviewed in publications such as The Wire, The Quietus, International Orange, Freq Magazine and 24/7. Their music has been released on labels including TBC Editions, Ceramics, Fractal Meat Cuts, Avon Terror Corps and Slack Alice.