In March 2025, I got to go and bring a solo loop pedal performance to Surreal Solihull’s Launch Weekend – a festival of new art to launch an surrealist exhibition in Solihull town centre. Organised by Solihull Town Council and supported by their ‘Small Is Beautiful’ set of micro-commissions, I went into this wanting to explore loop pedaling, soundscapes, and transforming public spaces. In the back of my mind, I was trying to respond to the work of Emmy Bridgwater, a surrealist from Solihull who was featured in the exhibition – whose work often took the domestic and made it disquieting. I think I ended up doing the opposite.

My flugelhorn and singing was layered up on-top of an ambient background of crinkling paper, rustling pasta and tapping mugs, as well as noises from passersby. We captured the sounds of the cafe and the laughter of those who joined in, which included other artists, friends and a nearby 8 year old child.

As performers we were very lucky to have pictures taken by Mark Radford, with thanks to Visit Solihull. I’m also grateful to friend and photographer Louise Cameron, who found a few gorgeous shots of the first performance.

I’m really looking forward to finding new homes for these looping performances – and to see how this kind of music can transform public spaces and the interactions we have in them.