30 DAYS OF THE SMITHS

30 Days of The Smiths is a collaboration between sound artist OBERMAN KNOCKS , London based design studio PONY , and Still Films Paul Rowley. The piece was commissioned by The Lowry Museum in Salford, Manchester, as part of their new Week 53 festival.

Interviews with people from the Salford area with the surname Smith were carried out by the poet, chancellor of the University of Salford and Scots Makar (national poet of Scotland), Jackie Kay. These were combined with samples from the music of The Smiths, processed and incorporated into Knocks’ audio soundscape - which hears ‘real’ Smiths reflect on life in Salford, their relationship with their own name, and how it affects their identity.

To accompany the live performance, Paul Rowley created a new 60 minute film work - a visually dynamic, science fiction inflected microfiche of community, place, and identity.

Music by Oberman Knocks. Edit - Michael Prommasit & Paul Rowley. Design - Niall & Nigel at Pony. Cinematography - Paul Rowley. Interviews - Jackie Kay. Many thanks to all the Smiths interviewed, Lucy Dusgate, and the team at the Lowry.