Matthew Ariaratnam's "tones to melt and heal hardened hearts" takes to two wheels, September 9

Participants can join a bike ride that diffuses healing sounds collected from artists across the country and U.S.

By Janet Smith

Matthew Ariaratnam. Photo by Jan Gates

The Only Animal presents the tones to melt and heal hardened hearts diffused on bicycles bike ride on September 9, starting at 7 pm at 8 East Pender

HOW DO YOU face the seemingly insurmountable despair of the climate crisis?

In the case of musician and sound artist Matthew Ariaratnam, you gather healing sounds and send them out in the world on bikes.

Commissioned by Vancouver’s The Only Animal, under its climate-minded Artist Brigade, Ariaratnam’s tones to melt and heal hardened hearts diffused on bicycles is getting ready to take its soundtrack of hope and resilience out to Vancouver streets this Saturday.

Local bike enthusiasts are invited to take part in the 40-minute ride that starts at 7 pm at 8 East Pender Street and winds up at David Lam Dock. Travelling on two wheels are the sounds created by over 50 people across Canada and the United States, gathered and arranged by the artist. He asked musicians, singers, and others to create a short tonal score that could heal the world. Offerings include the voices of Vancouver’s Kettle Society Choir, field recordings at Pacific Spirit Park, gongs, vibraphones, accordion, zhengs, and a range of other instruments emitting sustained, meditative notes ,played by far-flung musicians.

For a better idea of the utterly unique, soul-soothing experience, watch the artist's video below, and read this description from the folks at The Only Animal: "Matthew Ariaratnam’s composition carefully weaves these individual moments in time into an experience of community, reminding listeners of everything we hold in common through our care for the environment, our grievable lives, and our shared wish for healing." You can RSVP here.  

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