By merging scientific research on insect vibrational communication with artistic interpretation through sound art, tremolo situates itself within a broader ecological and urban-spatial context. Musicians use sonorities transmitted through natural materials – such as leaves, branches and soil – and objects like buildings, roads and caves to reveal hidden layers of communication that are mostly inaudible to the human ear. Scientific analysis of the sound material is crucial, providing musicians with verified insights into the acoustic environment. Some sounds are recognised and classified, while many others are entirely new to scientists. Often, these new sounds resemble classified ones but are identified as distinct through further analysis. At times, it remains unclear whether certain sounds originate from natural sources, as they are recorded in complex urban settings influenced by numerous factors.

This blend of scientific rigor and artistic exploration forms the creative foundation of the project. By combining these approaches, the collaboration brings a richer, more nuanced sound art experience to a wider audience.

Thus, tremolo is not just a musical work experienced through sound alone; its approach also reflects the complex relationship between urban dwellers and their habitat – what is known as the third landscape. These are abandoned urban spaces, outside the control of formal urban planning, existing as in-between zones awaiting future development. Meanwhile, these areas serve as unique habitats, fostering high biodiversity. Ljubljana’s Krater is a prime example of such a landscape.

Brane Zorman is an intermedia artist, composer, sound manipulator, producer and curator. He creates sound compositions for theatre, intermedia and dance performances, and performs electroacoustic works and spatial sound improvisations in collaboration with both local and international artists. His practice explores the relationship between sound and space through diverse strategies, techniques and interactive modules. He records and reinterprets soundscapes, using advanced tools to craft electronic and acoustic sound sculptures.

Boštjan Perovšek is an artist, composer and sound designer known for his experimental electroacoustic music. He specialises in bioacoustic compositions based on animal sounds, particularly those of insects. He collaborates with the groups Jata C and SAETA and creates music for film, theatre, performances, multimedia installations and soundscapes for museums and galleries.

Juan José López Díez is a biotremologist driven by a profound fascination for insect vibrational communication. He is passionate about using sound as a medium for knowledge creation and exchange, bridging the gap between art and science.

PREVIOUS EVENTS

23 Sept, at 20.00
Cukrarna, lobby

8 June 2025
Niansa Festival

Project’s conceptual design: Boštjan Perovšek, Brane Zorman, Juan José López Díez
Composition: BBtrem (Boštjan Perovšek, Brane Zorman)
Video: Matej Tomažin
Photography: Matej Tomažin, Jan Dolar (Dolar Media), Blaž Gutman, MGML archive
Original recordings of wildlife and human environments: Juan José López Díez, Boštjan Perovšek, Brane Zorman
Archive of wildlife sounds: National Institute of Biology, Juan José López Díez
Expert associate: Juan José López Díez
Partners: National Institute of Biology, Krater Creative Laboratory

Production: Cona 2024/2025.