The Art of Sound: BA (Hons) Modelmaking graduate brings "Hearing Colours" to Arts by the Sea Fringe

Taking place at Patch in Bobby’s from 2–4 October, Sam has curated a vibrant three-day music and visual event featuring custom-built hi-fi sound, DJs, live hardware electronic acts, ambient sessions, and analogue oil wheel projections.

We caught up with Sam to chat about his journey from BA (Hons) Modelmaking at AUB to sound system building, and how a dream influenced by reggae sound systems and Japanese jazz kissa culture, alongside a passion for DJing and vinyl collecting grew into a full-scale acoustic masterpiece.

Modelmaking is an amazing degree because it touches so many industries, we’re often the unknown hands-on makers behind the scenes. Since graduating, I’ve worked across film, architectural models, puppet & prop making, prototyping and carpentry.

After AUB, I spent time in London doing modelmaking in prototyping and architecture, but after the 2008 crash, I moved back to Bournemouth to start a family. It’s a wonderful place to live and bring up kids. I’ve maintained strong ties with AUB over the years working with lots of staff in various roles as well as working as a scenic co-ordinator overseeing set building and scenic art for the performance design course.

The initial spark started over 17 years ago when I lived in London, collecting vinyl and throwing warehouse parties with a good friend, Olly (who studied Graphics at AUB and designed all the artwork for Hearing Colours).

The project is deeply rooted in global sound system culture and audiophile sound reproduction. I’m influenced by reggae sound systems, Japanese jazz kissas, vintage cinema systems from the USA, as well as Paradise Garage and the Loft!

About eight years ago, I decided it was time to make it happen. I had no formal background in audio engineering or speaker design, but I had the energy and drive to teach myself through books, research, and an online course in the physics of speaker enclosures. I didn't start with a big master plan or budget; I just dove in, sourcing vintage audio gear and building the system piecemeal as I earned money.

Having that 3D making and carpentry foundation was essential. To get the precision needed for the cabinets, I signed up as an Associate at AUB’s Innovation Studio a couple of years ago. I used their flatbed CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine to precision-cut the custom wooden enclosures from birch ply I’d designed.

From there, I took the cut parts back to my workshop for hand assembly and finishing. Combining modern technical fabrication with traditional hands-on craftsmanship made a huge difference to the finished product.

It’ll be a weekend full of incredible music and visuals, bringing together 11 incredible artists from 2–4 October:

• Friday night: House, disco, garage, jungle and global vinyl sets, paired with vintage analogue oil-wheel projections by Moodz.
• Saturday night: Experimental live electronic music performed entirely on hardware (synths, drum machines, modular setups, and live drums).
• Sunday afternoon: A chilled ‘NoBorders’ takeover session featuring deep ambient soundscapes, including a set from festival veteran Rob da Bank alongside Goan small plates and a chai bar.

My aim is to create complete acoustic and visual environments where music is reproduced in as much detail as possible, while giving people a warm, inviting space to dance and listen.

A sound system is never really finished. You're always tweaking, upgrading amplifiers and gear, and improving sound quality as budget allows. Long-term, I’m working towards expanding into a complete self-contained venue package for festivals. I’d also love to bring the speakers to campus to run listening sessions and talks with AUB students about acoustic design, making and learning through trial and error.

Want to find out more?

To find out more about Sam’s Heating Colours project, head to Instagram.