Preston Field Audio - Conductor (2019)

Originally performed as accompanying soundtrack to Conductor | 8 Movements by Keith Harrison

On Sunday 14 July 2019, ‘Conductor I 8 movements’ took place at Preston Bus Station.

This live choreographed interruption in the life of the Station involved 32 buses driven by skilled drivers performing slow sequenced movements from the bus bays, mirrored simultaneously by the actions of volunteers in the passenger concourse. The piece was accompanied by a soundtrack by Preston Field Audio, created from recordings of the station and electronic loops in response to artist Keith Harrison’s schematic working drawings. At the end of the event all 32 buses lined up and left together with lights flashing and horns sounding – as the last buses to leave at night did through the 1970s and 80s.

Conductor was recorded by filmmaker Jared Schiller and will be shown at the exhibition Beautiful and Brutal: 50 years in the life of Preston Bus Station at the Harris Museum, opening 21st September.

This release via Set Foot Press consists of an audio recording that was taken inside Preston Bus Station during the event. Side B will also feature a studio recording of the piece that was broadcast through the Bus Station PA during the performance.

“Built in 1969 by British Design Partnership (BDP), Preston Bus Station was the largest in Europe – a space-age structure created the same year the moon landing took place. Its strong architectural presence has inspired a wealth of artists, filmmakers and photographers. Preston Bus Station was saved from demolition after a 13 year campaign initiated by the people of Preston resulting in Grade II listing. It has been revitalised through an extensive restoration programme by Lancashire County Council and John Puttick architects, to be completed later this year. Its beautiful and brutal form has regained its former glory – loved by many and loathed by some. Whatever your opinion it is one of Preston’s most distinctive pieces of architecture and is a place where the daily transactions of the city take place.” - Charles Quick, In Certain Places