The first programme in the ‘Bedside Radio’ series produced for the launch of Channel 604 (Radio Royal’s new arts channel). ‘The Tonic Garden’ was designed as an ambient radio station with patients suffering from insomnia or tinnitus in mind. The voice interviews were originally intended just as research in this survey of soothing sounds but the descriptions and reasoning behind the choices ended up becoming an intrinsic part of the piece itself. Field recordings and bespoke music are combined with voices to create a kind of aural survey polling the sounds that were found to be the most relaxing. The Tonic Garden reflects the range of sounds suggested by staff at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Radio Royal volunteers, the FDAMH media group and the public at large. This programme features original music and field recordings created by Mark Vernon and Ian Middleton and was created as part of an 18-month art residency at Forth Valley Royal Hospital, Larbert.
Channel 604 goes live on the 27th April.