Immersive site-specific audio
Cutty Sark Soundscape is a new digital experience that immerses you in the sounds of sailing on a tea clipper 150 years ago. Powered by Smartify, the experience lets you hear wind, waves, and creaking wood along with specially commissioned music by Colin Riley and Nic Pendlebury, and is designed to be heard whilst exploring the historic spaces aboard Cutty Sark, Greenwich.
Audience photographs courtesy of Royal Museums Greenwich. Performer photographs by Kate Dornan. Live performance footage by Jonny Guardiani.
“A sensory journey… Composers Riley and Pendlebury crafted music that enhanced the ship’s narrative. Their work created an atmosphere that feels alive and responsive to the ship’s history.”
Manuel Charr, MuseumNext
The power to change the weather
Our soundscape adapts as you explore, with bespoke music and sound effects for each deck. Listeners are offered interactive choices that affect the music – simulating weather conditions from Calm to Near Gale. The project draws on ASMR techniques to create a sense of immersion.
Hear more
- Listen and download online – Ebb and Flow EP.
- The soundscape is free to explore whilst visiting Cutty Sark – bring your headphones!
Our new soundscape is something different; a chance to wander the various decks of the ship casually. The idea is that the music should be ambient and complementary to the experience. Something sensory and evocative. Perhaps even soothing.
Colin riley, composer