From Scratch – Pacific 3,2,1,Zero (Part 1)

From Scratch is an experimental percussion group led by New Zealand-based sound and intermedia artist Phil Dadson. Their most famous work Pacific 3,2,1,Zero is a protest against nuclear testing and waste dumping in the Pacific, specifically Oceania / Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Part sculpture, part music and part ritual, the mesmerizing work utilizes self-made musical instruments made from industrial plastics and extruded metal along with polyrhythms inspired by the music of the indigenous people of Polynesia and Melanesia. An accompanying film was released with From Scratch’s performance cut with footage and facts of nuclear testing by director Gregor Nicholas. The film won the Grand Prix at Midem’s 1994 Visual Music Awards. “The musical structure reflects the idea of isolated islands of humanity connected by common waters whose currents innocently carry nuclear contamination.”

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