The Thing About Bugs

1995
Christof Migone, 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.