Recording, sampling and using London’s Royal Docks like a giant drum machine! Once the largest enclosed docks in the world, the Royal Docks is currently one of the most significant regeneration projects in the UK and, taking place across the 4 km stretch of the historic area, Join the Docks is their annual festival celebrating creativity and community. Our project Drum & Docks was selected for their autumn 2020 programme that sought projects using the Royal Docks as a creative playground.
The piece sees percussionists play everything from boats, railings and footbridges to the actual buildings and local landmarks. Drum & Docks blends music and architecture where the Royal Docks themselves become the actual instruments, showcasing both local drumming talent and the magnificence of the Royal Docks themselves. We created the piece with the participation of Newham Music, Flat 50 Arts and regular collaborators east London’s Dhol Academy, who’ve since the 1980’s have nurtured thousands of talented drummers playing dhol, the double-headed drum widely used throughout the Indian subcontinent. Watch video below.
“Everything is a drum once you find the right rhythm” – TIME OUT
“In a world of confusion, the simple pleasure of watching dudes engaged in dextrous tapping is a pure, unadulterated joy.” – SHOTS
With huge thanks to all the drummers Michael Forde, Jasdeep Bamrah, Tanvir ‘TJ’ Juttla, Inderpal Lolay, Monique Graham, Enmanuel Moreno, Godfirst Ijeomah-Orji, Nathan Oriakhi, Alia Radjabou and Sam Daniels and to everyone that gave us permission to film, including The Crystal Building (GLA), SS Robin steamship (Maritime Heritage), Royal Albert Dock Pumping Station, The Silver Building, Dock walkway cranes (Warwick Estates), Thames Barrier Park (Avison Young), King George V lock (RoDMA), Royal Victoria Dock Footbridge and London City Airport.
