Cornerhouse

Beatboxer, vocal sculptor and sound artist Jason Singh, will for the first time perform a live vocal score to John Grierson’s silent film Drifters from 1929.

Born in London and now based in Manchester, Jason’s work is rooted in inspiring people to engage in exciting creative experiences, through performance and participation. He works with numerous organisations across the UK to further develop beatboxing and vocal sculpting as an art form of free expression, including Glastonbury Festival, the National Portrait Gallery, the V&A Museum, the BFI and the Whitworth Art Gallery.

Using techniques of pre-recorded vocal sequences, live vocal processing and sampling, Jason will create a sonic backdrop of ambient textures, experimental atmospheres and rhythms created solely by the use of the voice to accompany the film.

John Grierson was an influential Scottish documentary filmmaker, often considered the father of British documentary. Premiering in London alongside Battleship Potemkin in 1929, Drifters follows North Sea herring fisherman through their dramatic daily routines.

“If you can tell me a story with a better crescendo in energies, images, atmospherics and all that make up the sum and substance of cinema, I promise you I shall make my next film of forthwith.” John Grierson

In partnership with BFI. A Cornerhouse Micro Commission supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation.