The new series of FMOA recordings (beginning in 2026) will be conceptualized as soundtracks for films that have not yet been made. It's an idea that is already familiar to a great number of sonic artists, as many of us have deliberately set out to create a "cinema for the ear" which would, in effect, cause us to imagine film-like narratives within our mind's eyes.

​

This project aims to take things a step further: combining the audio recordings with a variety of different tools that could actually assist an adventurous filmmaker in making a film based on the soundtracks provided. Each artist who contributes will also provide some form of supplemental material or instructions: storyboard sketches, "concept art," film treatments, filming instructions, perhaps even full scripts or screenplays. 

​

I've always been interested in the idea of using a sound rather than an image as the starting point for an artwork that, eventually, takes multiple sense modalities into consideration. In doing so, we "invert" the more common cinematic practices (and thus the series title's reference to a kind of "opposite" state, my playful attempt at more closely identifying this series with the 'FMOA' label). 

​

For anyone wanting to contribute to this, please note the following:

​

• Work approved for release in this series will be on a variety of different audio formats (CD, tape, USB stick, vinyl, etc.), based on each artist's own vision and preferences. 

• Despite the varying formats, artwork will follow a standard template which will become easily identifiable over time. Think "minimal" cover design contrasting with highly detailed "secondary" artwork (i.e. 'on-disc' printing, inner sleeves, and so on).

• Contributions should be, ideally, a minimum of 15-20 total minutes of original material (i.e. material not previously released), with no 'maximum' length. 

• Please send any material to be used in uncompressed form, preferably .wav or .aiff format - either 16 bit / 44.1khz resolution, or 32 bit / 48khz (all in stereo).

• Please also include an artist bio of about 50-250 words.

• We're open to all kinds of different compositional styles but obviously have our own preferences. See the page on our "audio postcards" series for some allied artists you might be familiar with. Otherwise, the most important thing is for an immersive, sonically rewarding experience: material that has an interesting conceptual basis, but doesn't feature any noticeable variation or progression, won't be enough. If in doubt, ask yourself: "does this sound communicate before its 'meaning' is known?" If "yes," by all means send it!

• Preference will be given to work done in an 'acousmatic' vein, but won't be limited to this.

• Each release will feature some form of supplemental visual / text information as described above. This can appear as booklets, pamphlets, posters, index or 'cue' cards - anything which can be handled by a professional printer without much trouble. 

• Pressings / printings (whatever the format) will be around 300-500 copies for each edition. These will primarily be sold via the FMOA web store, though each artist will get a healthy number of personal copies of their own to sell or distribute.

​

If you have any additional questions about this initiative, please get in touch via the contact section below.

​

Thanks for your attention!

- Thomas​​​​​