Miles McDougall presents Theta 6.3 Hz, a sound work developed as a response to Tom Mackie’s exhibtion Open Facade.

The work uses a combination of Theta rhythms, whispered dialogue, and natural references to connect with the tranquil, and transitionary, visual and visceral experience of Open Facade.

Theta rhythms are naturally occurring oscillating pattern readings within the brain, recorded through the EEG process. EEG measures the voltage fluctuations from ionic flows within the neutrons of the brain and these readings can be expressed through an aural medium. Theta waves, with a Hertz reading between 6-7, are closely associated with REM Sleep or Astral Projection (out of body experience). Theta 6.3 Hz is the pedal tone or “drone” sound that is present throughout Theta 6.3 Hz. It is closely connected to the tranquility of the colour blue and the human state of euphoria.

Whispered dialogue is a strategy that is starting to be explored by sound artists which can prompt corporeal responses in listeners. Groups such as the Society of Sensationalists, formed in 2008 on Yahoo!, and The Unnamed Feeling blog created in 2010 by Andrew MacMuiris, describe a pleasurable tingling sensation in the head, scalp, back, or peripheral regions of the body in response to visual, auditory, olfactory or cognitive stimuli. This has in recent years been termed Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response or ASMR. Whispering is used to transport the listener; It is seldom used as a form of communication and so carries an inherent personal intensity.