In
his radio art piece for “Personal Radio”, curated by GX
Jupitter-Larsen, the artist Gil Kuno delves into the radio space of the
Hispanic community of Los Angeles:
“Radio stations
worldwide are losing their younger generation listeners since the
advent of the iPod. Apple's (a Californian company) reach in Los
Angeles is quite strong as well – the iPod's trademark white
earbuds are seen in many an Angelino's ears.
This has resulted
in a privatization of music. I can't remember the last time that I was
turned on to music that was playing off of a communal radio. This
personalization has introverted musical tastes – we are not
reaching out to new music, and left listening to music we are already
familiar with. This is quite dangerous for the already withering music
scene.
However, many from the Mexican community in Los Angeles
still embrace their radios and "open air" listening. A quick walk
through Hispanic neighborhoods in Los Angeles will turn up many
households and shops with radios blaring.
The Hispanics
represent a considerable percentage of the Los Angeles population. Last
year's census results show that 48% of the LA population is Hispanic.
If the survey included the illegal immigrants, the number would easily
surpass 50%.
According to Arbitron (a radio monitoring
corporation), the leading station in Los Angeles is in fact the
Hispanic KLVE (FM 107.5), alone drawing about five percent of the Los
Angeles listening market. (Spanish language radio as a whole draws
approximately 25% of the radio listeners in Los Angeles.)
For
this project, I have chosen to create a soundscape from recordings of
various members of the LA Mexican community engaging their radios
– at home, at work, and at play.
This is the sound and
voice of Los Angeles' underlying majority – one who's voices or
identities are typically unheard or recognized. Though the consensus is
slow to embrace the fact... this is the real LA.”
(Gil Kuno) |
PLAY
