David Byrne has installed an oddball musical artwork for a limited period of time at Camden’s Roundhouse venue. His ‘Playing The Building’ project places an old pump organ in the centre of the circular hall which links to the venue’s metal beams, cast iron pillars, plumping pipes and cables.
Byrne, who has recently been touring with Brian Eno, says the unique instrument is an example of ‘Victorian steam-punk technology’. “There’s no speakers, no electronics or samples, or any of that modern rubbish. It’s all very old mechanical stuff”. Visitors can essentially play the building by pressing the keyboard to make tuneful sounds and vibrations in the venue that became famous in the 60s and 70s for hosting bands like The Doors and The Rolling Stones. The organ makes air rush through the pipes to emanate smooth haunting sounds. Byrne points out that it’s not designed for those keen on proving their musical practicalities; “You can’t play Bach. It kind of levels the playing field as far as performance goes. We are all equally amateur at it. The piano lessons you got as a child are not going to be of too much use”.
The project marks a further development in Byrne‘s musical development. Although he has recently performed over live 140 shows with Brian Eno he insists he does not miss the Talking Heads days, “I don’t miss that period at all. I mean I enjoyed it but I wouldn’t say things were better then”.
