Call Book isolates and magnifies human broadcasts on amateur radio—little phrases, sentences, or vocalizations that might otherwise be forgotten. Palombo’s belief that “there’s something to be learned from every human interaction” focuses the work on cementing these unnoticed moments in the imagination of the listener. “Shortwave radio,” she says, “isn’t just harsh frequencies, number stations, or signal interference—it’s also a longstanding method of communication”

While making the piece, Palombo would record small pieces of chit chat, mouth sounds, or conversation and build elaborate compositions around them, framing the source material into more than just passing sounds or words. - Described by Wave Farm Radio Art Fellow 2023, Lia Kohl.