"The Thing About Bugs" (1994) by Christof Migone with Gregory Whitehead
Writes Gregory Whitehead, "Etymological radiophony created in collaboration with Christof Migone for New American Radio in 1995. An exploration of deep bug muckmusik, digital hygiene, ethnic cleansing and the True Bug plan of attack.

The process was collaborative at each stage, with raw materials generated through a series of improvisations. Christof was experimenting with mouth mics and various home made noise boxes. We then worked on the raw materials independently, creating brief buggy sub-mixes, which were then finally composed at sea-crow media studio on Nantucket island. GW plays the voice of the etymologist; CM performs as the True Bug, and as a concerned homeowner in search of a final solution." For more information visit https://gregorywhitehead.net/2012/06/26/the-thing-about-bugs.

An exploration into the improbable relationship between entomology and electricity. Bugs in the world of electronic media or bugs in our beds: how to respond? In this collaborative "field trip," Migone and Whitehead invite us into their bug infested soundscape to investigate live wire cross-currents of extermination and redemption; the vitality of dirt and the urge to clean; the joys of pure noise and the fear of bodies gone to the worms. Professional exterminators philosophize about their daily warfare against other species while the producers orchestrate a mad carnival of the True Bugs. Commissioned by New American Radio.

"Cricket Voice" (1987) by Hildegard Westercamp
A musical exploration of a cricket whose song was recorded in the stillness of a Mexican desert region called the Zone of Silence. Slowed down it is like the heartbeat of the desert; at its original speed it sings to the stars. The percussive sounds in "Cricket Voice" were created by playing on desert plants, dried roots and palm eaves, and by exploring the ruins of an old water reservoir.

"Aphids and Others" (1990) by Helen Thorington
Written in response to Gregory Whitehead's Male Digger Bees, this short work is a humorously poignant appeal for diversity and choice in our lives. It features a laughing aphid, three bumping snails, and an octopus arm that swims.

In its ten years as a weekly national series, 1987-1998, New American Radio (NAR) commissioned and distributed over 300 original works: conceptual new drama, associational documentary, language explorations, sonic meditations, environmental compositions, musical explorations and works that pioneer new dimensions in acoustic space. Wave Farm is thrilled to be partnering with New American Radio to ensure these works remain available to listeners today and into the future.

New American Radio was organized by Helen Thorington, Executive Producer and Regine Beyer, Associate Producer. A special thanks to both Helen Thorington and Jo-Anne Green for their generous support and collaboration of this partnership, and their contribution to the field at large!

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