Drifters (1929) Monumental silent film with live score by Jason Singh
Sound artist, nature beatboxer and composer Jason Singh performs his live soundtrack to John Grierson’s monumental silent documentary film Drifters.
Premiering alongside Battleship Potemkin in 1929, Drifters follows North Sea herring trawlermen through their dramatic daily routines as well as the industry’s struggles between tradition, modernity, and nature.
Originally commissioned by BFI, Jason’s critically acclaimed and totally unique solo score combines live vocal sound effects, beatboxing techniques and live sampling to create a thrilling cinematic experience.
Jason Singh’s collaborations and commissions include a diverse range of organisations and artists including BBC, Yorkshire Sculpture Park, V&A Museum, WOMAD, Kew Gardens, Chester Zoo, SONOS, BFI, Celtic Connections, RNLI, National Trust, Tate Britain, Sir David Attenborough, George Ezra, Big Narstie, Yazz Ahmed, Shabaka Hutchings, Natacha Atlas, Sarathy Korwar, Nitin Sawhney, Talvin Singh and Rokia Traore.
“So powerful and so beautifully done.” - Mark Kermode, The Observer on Jason Singh – Drifters
“Amazing! ... Sensory and emotional... Fantastic combination of old and new. Taking the film to another level” –Audience comment
Film credits:
Director: John Grierson
Country / Year: UK / 1929
Classification: PG – Suitable for general viewing
Project credits: Produced by Sound UK. Sound track originally commissioned by BFI.
