The Sounds of King's Cross • Spatial Sound Installation • Kings Place
2025 | Narrator, Producer & Composer
First presented at Kings Place, Saturday 5th April 2025
as part of the Earth Unwrapped programme
Composer and sound artist Alice Boyd brings a new sound installation to Hall Two, featuring the sounds of King’s Cross’ green and blue spaces. This installation invites us to immerse ourselves in the vibrant soundscapes of the city, weaving together the natural ambience of the area with the voices of those who care for these cherished spaces. Experience the rich tapestry of human and wildlife sounds that shape King’s Cross, revealing the details we so often tune out in our daily lives.
Featuring field recordings and interviews, The Sounds of King’s Cross highlights the work of Camley Street Natural Park (London Wildlife Trust), Global Generation, and Word on the Water – The London Bookbarge. These voices bring to life the stories of the people who nurture and protect these spaces. The installation is mixed and spatialised using d&b audiotechnik’s Soundscape, creating an immersive, three-dimensional listening experience.
What’s it about?
At its core, The Sounds of King's Cross is a celebration of how nature lives alongside us -even in the most urban corners of London. It’s also about the people who care for these spaces and the quiet stories that shape them.
Behind the sounds
All audio was recorded using two omnidirecitonal microphones (DPA 4060s) and a MixPre-6, alongside a new mono reporter mic setup for interviews. The music was created using a Korg Minilogue, weaving in and around the real-world recordings to deepen the sense of place.
The installation was mixed and spatialised at the Science Museum using the d&b Soundscape system, translating stereo and mono recordings into a 360° sonic environment.