Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Macklemore. Seattle has produced some of the world’s greatest musical acts, so it’s no surprise that even their Big Things love to sing. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Sonic Bloom onto the stage!
Wander cautiously up to one of these 40-foot-tall flowers and he or she will regale you with a melodic ditty. Each of the five blossoms has a unique personality and distinctive sound so, if you have a few friends, it’s possible to create your very own poppy song.
Who knows, if you come up with a good pe-tune-ia, you might end up with a marigold record!
The installation was created by Dan Corson in 2013, and stands right next to the somewhat lesser-known Space Needle and just down the road from Dreamer and the World’s Largest Trophy Cup. Sonic Bloom is made from steel, fibreglass, custom photo voltaic cells (which certainly sound impressive), LEDs, sensors, an interactive sound system, energy data monitoring equipment, and a partridge in a pear tree.
“The project was conceived as a dynamic and educational focal piece that would extend the Science Center’s education outside of their buildings while engaging the public with an iconic artwork prompting curiosity and interactivity both during the day and night,” Señor Corson explains on his website.
“The title Sonic Bloom refers not only to our defining location on the Puget Sound, but also to the artwork itself, which sings as the public approaches each flower.”
Plus, the name Soundgarden was already taken.
I’ll never be your monkey wrench, Dave Grohl
After some unpleasantness at my hostel the previous evening, I was unable to convince my fellow travellers to form a floral five-piece for a visit to Sonic Bloom. Never one to be discouraged by the utter disdain of others, I rocked up alone, pushed some children out of the way, and put on an impromp-tulip concert.
Racing from flower to flower, I created an inspirational harmony that had hundreds of Seattleites snapping their fingers and grooving to the irresistible beat. Some even started to chrysanthe-hum along.
When I finally came up for air a handsome man with long, dark hair and a goatee sauntered over to shake my hand.
“Bigs, I’m a huge fan of your work,” he smiled. “I’m Dave.”
“Dave who works at the Big Mango in Bowen? I didn’t recognise you without your Mango costume and dyed orange hair. Did Meryl ever find her cat?”
“No, Dave Grohl from popular Seattle-based alternative rock group Foo Fighters. We’re looking for a new drummer and, after that wonderful performance, I’d like to offer you the position.”
Echoes, Silence, Patience and Really Big Flowers
Chuckling lightly to myself, I patted Dave on the back. It wasn’t the first time I’ve been asked to join a multi-platinum pop group, and it certainly won’t be the last.
“Well keep looking, Dave Grohl,” I told him. “Unless your next world tour stops exclusively at venues with oversized roadside attractions, I’ll have to decline.”
Dave Grohl buried his hands deep in his pockets and kicked at the verdant grass growing beneath the Space Needle. His little heart was breaking, but I didn’t want to string him along.
“I guess we could rearrange the schedule, swap out Madison Square Garden for the parking lot next to the World’s Largest Dinosaur…”
“I was trying to let you down gently, Dave Grohl.”
“Of course, of course,” Dave Grohl mumbled, turning away so that I couldn’t see the tears budding in his chocolatey eyes. “I guess I’ll see what Travis Barker’s up to.”
Sleepless in Seattle
Dave Grohl, a world famous rock star reduced to a boy in light of my rejection, shuffled away with his handsome head hanging low. Not seeing where he was going, he bumped into one of the massive flowers. Dave Grohl was immediately ensconced in its fluorescent glow and happy-go-lucky harmonies, bringing a welcome smile to his face. I joined in by bopping a nearby bloom.
Dave Grohl and I moved in unison, creating a sonic landscape that brought warmth to the coldest Seattle evening. Soon Layne Staley of hard rock group Alice in Chains swaggered over and joined in. Then Eddie Vedder.
Finally rap maestro Sir Mix-A-Lot jived over to provide the group with a much-needed ebony edge by becoming the fifth member. We rocked those flowers into the wee hours, until the burning sun crested the emerald hills of northern Washington.
When finally we finished, having brought about an age of peace and love through our music, Dave Grohl slung one powerful arm around my sweaty body and kissed my cheek.
“So does this mean…”
“Oh, give it a rest, Dave Grohl,” I huffed, pushing him away. “For the last time, I’m not joining your band!”
