Sounding New Sonic Approaches

In May 2023 a triple-issue of English Studies in Canada (ESC) was published on the topic of “New Sonic Approaches in Literary Studies.” Edited by Concordia’s Jason Camlot and Katherine McLeod, the issue, designed to explore the ways in which sound, literature, and critical methodologies intersect, included thirteen scholarly articles, and an interdisciplinary forum on the place of listening as a methodology in a wide range of scholarly and artistic fields. The issue is substantial in its contributions to imagining new ways of combining literary studies and sound studies, and it warrants a public celebration.  

As the editors considered what kind of “launch” would be best suited to this issue, they felt it should build on the printed scholarship, but also take it further – respond to it,  sound it, and perform it. What is the sound of “New Sonic Approaches”? What would this journal issue sound like as a chorus or collage of voices? This event will enact the idea of sounding and performing a scholarly collection as a kind of poetic reading of criticism. Each contributor has been invited to select an excerpt to perform, and the performances will unfold in sequence as a long collaborative work that speaks to questions of literary expression, performance, sounding, and listening. 

Join us for the unfolding of this performance, a live recording session of a future scholarly soundwork, to listen, and at times, to add to the sounds of the event as it unfolds. 

How can you participate? Join us in person or online by registering for the Zoom Meeting or watching live on YouTube.

Have questions? Send them to info.4@concordia.ca

Jason Camlot, Katherine McLeod, Annie Murray, Klara du Plessis, Mathieu Aubin, Julia Polyck-O'Neill, Jason Wiens, Kelly Baron, Nina Sun Eidsheim, Juliette Bellocq, Gascia Ouzounian, Ellen Waterman, Katharina Fuerholzer, Daniel Martin, Kristen Smith, Kristin Moriah, Mara Mills and Andy Slater.