Photo: Rolant Dafis
If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be on stage with Super Furry Animals then wonder no more as the wonder of modern technology brings the wonder to your door. Or something.
Teaming up with BBC Wales and utlilising the technology more often used by shows such as Planet Earth II, fans now have the chance to get close up and personal with the Welsh psychdelicists who’ve just re-release their second album, Radiator.
Marking the first use of emerging technologies to record a live music event, BBC Wales shot Super Furry Animals’ performance of ‘International Language of Screaming’ at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena on December 17, 2016, in their hi-tech 360° format, thus allowing fans to get onstage with the band and manipulate their view, with a pioneering, binaural sound mix from all angles.
It’s a brilliant way to spend your coffee break or adding to your ever-growing methods of procrastination and skiving. One minute you’re on the stage checking Bunf’s effects pedals before looking up his leg, the next your gazing at the audience as if you’re playing with the band and then you look up to see if the lighting rig is secure. And it sounds pretty good with heasdpones on. Have a look here and control your actions with toggle in the top left hand corner:
Speaking of the 360° format, Super Furry Animals’ keyboardist Cian Ciaran said: “Technology moves fast and it’s good to feel on the curve, if not ahead of it, in bringing music fans as close to the feeling of playing to thousands of people as possible.
“The expertise of a curious and enthusiastic team at BBC Wales, have virtually added a sixth member, who can get a taste of the buzz of being on stage, but not spend any time with us on a crowded tour bus, which is an experience that shouldn’t ever be replicated digitally.”
