TfL calls on London to come together with launch of Radio Underground
Transport for London’s (TfL’s) Art on the Underground programme has announced its latest project, ‘Radio Underground’.
The work has been created by London-based artist, Joe Namy with Sister Midnight FM, a co-operative community radio station based in Catford, live music venue Colour Factory, and PalMusic UK, a music education charity supporting young Palestinian musicians.
The 10 minute soundtrack includes spoken word and segments of speech from each organisation layered with original music from artists within each group.
Mr Namy said: “This project was a dream, a deep dive into the fascinating history of the sound of the Underground, at times offering moments of peace, at other times transforming the travelator into a catwalk, and other times making space for the brilliant organisations that contributed to the project.
“We were able to bring in so many different voices to resonate with the unique architecture of the station.”
The work can be heard at Waterloo Underground station from July 15 to 28, through the station speakers along the moving walkway connecting the Northern and Jubilee lines, echoing the style of a radio broadcast.
Eleanor Pinfield, head of art on the Underground, said: “This soundscape for London calls us together in a collective space, one where we are well used to regular public announcements. Namy’s audio soundtrack asks us to become more attuned to our surroundings, to take a moment to listen and share space with the people around us.”
Radio Underground can also be accessed through a QR code on a poster campaign across the London Underground, with a link to imagery that gives visual rhythm to the sound.
The project is supported by the Mayor of London’s Culture and Community Spaces at Risk programme.
Justine Simons, Deputy Mayor for Culture and the Creative Industries, said: “Culture is the beating heart of London and I know Joe Namy’s Radio Underground will entertain and inspire passengers as they travel on the Tube.
“I’m delighted that Art on the Underground is working closely with many grassroots arts organisations we have supported at City Hall. It’s a wonderful opportunity to have their work displayed in one of London’s busiest Tube stations.”
(Picture: TfL)