In “Car Alarm, Turn Signal,” Lia Kohl crafts a captivating soundscape, merging buzzing flute tones and fluttering electronic elements into an abstract yet familiar auditory experience. Featuring Ka Baird’s fierce, avian flute playing, the track opens with a vibrant shock of sound before transitioning into a controlled, engaging soundscape. The intricate composition builds with horns and complex harmonies, punctuated by repetitive alarm sounds, before shifting into a beautifully composed second section where cellos take the forefront.
This track is an attempt to capture the overlapping polyrhythms of the streets around Lia’s home. By weaving together recordings of late-night Uber rides, car alarms outside neighborhood markets, and turn signals in bird-filled parking lots, she mimics these sounds with cello and synths. The result is an expansive lullaby, expanding mundane urban sounds into a lilting, atmospheric composition. The accompanying video reflects this process, transforming everyday shadows on the sidewalk into beautiful, ephemeral geometry.
Lia Kohl, a Chicago-based cellist, composer, and multidisciplinary artist, utilizes cello, synthesizers, field recordings, and live radio to explore the possibilities of sound. She has performed at notable venues such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Walker Art Center, and her work has been featured in Pitchfork and The Chicago Tribune. Recent releases include Untitled Radio (futile, fertile) on Longform Editions and The Ceiling Reposes on American Dreams Records. Kohl’s extensive collaborations span cultural exchanges and tours across four continents, contributing to her rich, diverse sound.
