High Hat Phone

2007
Joe McKay. Cell phone, high hat stand, wood, speakers
"High Hat Phone," Joe McKay

"High Hat Phone," Joe McKay. for Off The Grid at the Neuberger Museum of Art, Purchase, NY.

Canadian-born Joe McKay’s work is with and about digital culture. Often “preparing” and repurposing consumer electronics, McKay challenges viewers to reconsider the function for which his chosen subject is best suited. High Hat Phone is activated by a foot pedal from a drum kit. The phone's audio is routed through speaker, and when the viewer presses the pedal they hear the annoying cell phone opening noise. When they release they get the closing noise. The viewer can "feather" the pedal between open and close, mixing their own audio.