Singing with Bridges

This is a self directed experience to enjoy my favourite spot in London for singing with bridges. 

Bromley-by-bow is an intersection of pathways -  industrial, urban, and natural. In just this short walk there is a rich soundscape,  culminating in intensity under the bridge .   

Before you start walking

Turn off your phone.

If you are with people, don’t talk to each other, just take in the sounds, smells, colours. Follow the directions.

When you reach the bridge

Stand quietly under the bridge and wait for a train. Listen to it approach, and go by overhead. 

Listen to a couple more, silently take in the minutes and the sounds around you between each train. Then when you’re ready...

As the next train passes overhead sing out with it! Or choose how you want to respond.

When the train has passed, be silent and wait for the next one. 

You can engage however you like...

Just listen and hum.

Can you harmonise with it?

Sing/shout out!

Listen to a pre-recorded voice - put one headphone on and press play to join other voices as the train goes by.

Record yourself ( and send the recording to me to add to the voices of Singing with Bridges).

Write down the answer later to “How does it make you feel?”

Only press play when the train goes over. 

1 Turn left as you exit the  Bromley-on-Bow station

2 Use the underpass to cross the big road 

3 Walk until you see the Tesco (not far)

4 Turn right at the Tesco and walk straight til you hit the canal - you will see the Three Mills. 

5 Turn right along the canal and the bridge is dead ahead.

There’s a juxtaposition in the city where you can see the human design yet it has a life beyond our control. We are involved yet superfluous. There is order imposed, but simultaneously we might be swept away by chaos. 

The city is in flux but within the tumult there is flow. Those moments of sync can be joyous, or cathartic. A time to appreciate and participate in the gigantic rhythm of the living machine. Singing along is an response to the song that surrounds you, harmonising or discord. 

This is a context inviting you to engage with your place, space and voice in the city.