In a world where the demand for energy and digital connectivity continues to grow unabated, so does the vulnerability of our infrastructure. In the era of digitalisation and technologies, traditional warfare is slowly being replaced by digital, invisible warfare through binary numbers.
Located near an high-voltage substation and several electricity pylons, which form the backbone of the regional electricity supply. At this site the tangible and invisible elements of our modern society converge. Specialized microphones and receivers reveal both audible and inaudible frequencies, including infrasound and electromagnetic signals. Without this equipment, these signals would go unnoticed. The noisey characteristics of the electromagnetic frequencies represent the invisible nowadays digital threat that surrounds our society. While at the same time wind is, literally rattling at the gates of the substation, causing rumbling geophonic infrasound — symbolizing the growing vulnerability and fragility of our infrastructure.
However, the vulnerability is not only limited to our digital world, due to the increasing demand for energy and the use of electronic devices which leads to the rise of electromagnetic radiation. The auditory interplay between chirping crickets and crackling voltages from the pylon’s wires, represents the increase of this radiation in our environment.
This soundscape reveals a complex web of interconnectedness, where human progress comes with new challenges and threats. The pursuit of progress brings not only opportunities, but also responsibilities to safeguard the delicate societal balance between technology, nature, and human well-being.
a complex web of interconnectedness, where progress comes with new challenges and threats
"High Voltage Substation [51.98311° N, 4.22508° O]" is released on October 19th 2025.
The recordings were made near a substation of the transmission system operator of the national high-voltage grid in the Netherlands, in Naaldwijk, on July 16th 2023.
All sounds were recorded using two unidirectional condenser microphones in an X/Y setup, a geophone, a contact microphone, and an electromagnetic receiver.
