Jelle Zegers

A good Day to Hum Along with Your Microwave

Sound is an essential part of how we interact with our surroundings. An object's characteristic sound influences our relationship with it. These characteristic, seemingly mundane sounds hold beauty. There is music in every object. And therefore, every object is an instrument.

When I cook, I feel good. When I cook, I do not have headphones on, or music at all, let alone a movie or series. When I cook, I listen to the interaction with my surroundings and pay attention to what the music of my cookware is telling me. A loud ‘ping!’ tells me the microwave is ready, a loud bubbling followed by a soft ‘click’ tells me my water is boiling, and the continuous ticking without a soft ‘woosh’ tells me that now also this burner of the stove is finally broken. On a particularly good day, I gently sing along with the steady hum of the microwave. Experience tells me it takes one melancholic song to heat up my pasta.

Peter and the Microwave taps into this fascination for everyday sounds. The project consists of a series of instruments. Each instrument mimics the sound of a different kitchen appliance and allows you to turn its distinct sound into music. The appliances are treated as unique characters with their own personality, and each their own voice. Peter and the Microwave wants you to stop and listen. To cook without your headphones on. To notice the everyday sounds around you. Everyday sounds become music. Everyday appliances become instruments, and you are its player.