Composing With Tape
Paul Cousins
September 27th – October 1st, 2025
A Week of Experimental Analog Music Creation
Arrival: Saturday 27th September, 4pm
Departure: Thursday 2nd October by, 11am.
The Basics
- Five nights accommodation in Cornwall.
- Four full days of teaching, workshops, discussions and activities.
- All inclusive - breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and drinks included
- All dietary requirements catered for.
The Highlights
- Work and learn with experienced Composer and Sound Artist Paul Cousins.
- Explore Tape as material for experimentation.
- Create your own work and be part of a group exhibition of tape works.
- Optional outings to walk, swim & explore the Cornish coastline.
Join sound artist and composer Paul Cousins for a week-long exploration of reel-to-reel tape machines and the creative possibilities of analog recording. Set against the inspiring backdrop of the Helford River, this immersive residency invites participants to delve into the tactile, hands-on world of tape manipulation, looping, and sound design.
During this workshop, we’ll use reel-to-reel tape machines as both musical instruments and tools for composition. Paul will guide us through the fundamentals of tape recording, splicing, and looping, as well as advanced experimental techniques of tape delay and manipulation. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with layering, degradation, and texture, discovering how the physicality of tape can inspire entirely new approaches to sound. By focusing on creating outside of the DAW and working directly with objects instead of screens, we’ll embrace a process that celebrates the heart and soul of analog equipment.
Our creative journey will include collaborative sessions where we’ll craft unique tape-based compositions, drawing inspiration from the natural elements around us. Field recording outings will offer an opportunity to capture environmental sounds, which we’ll manipulate and integrate into our works. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments or sound sources (compact and portable), and Paul will provide several reel-to-reel machines and custom tools for experimentation.
Throughout the week, we’ll reflect on the innovative techniques pioneered by artists such as Steve Reich, Delia Derbyshire, Brian Eno, and Éliane Radigue, exploring how analog tape can connect us to a slower, more deliberate process of creation. By the end of the residency, you will gain hands-on experience with tape-based composition and discover new methods of sound design. You'll leave with a collaborative collection of tape-driven works, including personal tape loops that serve as mementos of the creative journey and the beginnings of a shared tape loop archive.
This workshop is open to anyone curious about the creative potential of analog tape, from seasoned sound artists to those new to tape machines. Discover the beauty of imperfection, the magic of physical sound, and the joy of composing with tape.
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During this workshop, we’ll use reel-to-reel tape machines as both musical instruments and tools for composition. Paul will guide us through the fundamentals of tape recording, splicing, and looping, as well as advanced experimental techniques of tape delay and manipulation. Participants will have the opportunity to experiment with layering, degradation, and texture, discovering how the physicality of tape can inspire entirely new approaches to sound. By focusing on creating outside of the DAW and working directly with objects instead of screens, we’ll embrace a process that celebrates the heart and soul of analog equipment.
Our creative journey will include collaborative sessions where we’ll craft unique tape-based compositions, drawing inspiration from the natural elements around us. Field recording outings will offer an opportunity to capture environmental sounds, which we’ll manipulate and integrate into our works. Participants are encouraged to bring their own instruments or sound sources (compact and portable), and Paul will provide several reel-to-reel machines and custom tools for experimentation.
Throughout the week, we’ll reflect on the innovative techniques pioneered by artists such as Steve Reich, Delia Derbyshire, Brian Eno, and Éliane Radigue, exploring how analog tape can connect us to a slower, more deliberate process of creation. By the end of the residency, you will gain hands-on experience with tape-based composition and discover new methods of sound design. You'll leave with a collaborative collection of tape-driven works, including personal tape loops that serve as mementos of the creative journey and the beginnings of a shared tape loop archive.
This workshop is open to anyone curious about the creative potential of analog tape, from seasoned sound artists to those new to tape machines. Discover the beauty of imperfection, the magic of physical sound, and the joy of composing with tape.
Residency Lead
Paul Cousins is a sound artist & composer based in London. Using a collection of 1/4” reel-to-reel machines, tape echoes and other analog equipment, he creates music on the themes of repetition and imperfection. His compositions have featured in major installations at the Barbican, Whitechapel Gallery and in FACT magazine. In addition to releases with Decca Records, Castles in Space and BMG, in the studio he has worked on a diverse range of projects for major/indie labels and recorded Grammy winning artists. His recent installation ‘Atomised Listening’ invited visitors to interact with obsolete music technology at Stone Nest in London’s West End.
"dreamy, meditative compositions" - FACT magazine
"soaringly lovely" - Electronic Sound
︎︎︎ paulcousinsmusic.com
︎ paulcousinsmusic
Room Types
Private King with Ensuite
A luxurious private king sized bed room, designed for a single guest, offering a large and cosy King Sized bed, clothes hanging space, a dressing table, drawers, and a comfortable reading chair. It's the ideal choice for guests seeking more privacy and space during the retreat.
Private King
A spacious and comfortable room designed for one guest, featuring a plush king-size bed, a dedicated space for hanging clothes, a dressing table, storage drawers, and a cozy chair ideal for reading or relaxing. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for extra privacy and room to unwind during their retreat. Please note: the Private King Room shares a bathroom with others.
Shared Room:
Shared with up to 3 other guests, this quaint and cosy space provides each guest with their own alcove area. Each alcove is equipped with a comfy single bed, a side table, and a reading light. The overall atmosphere is light and airy, and you also have your own storage space. This setup is ideal for solo travellers or those attending the retreat with a friend.
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Shared Twin (SOLD OUT)
We can offer one room as a Shared Twin – a lovely space with two twin beds, perfect for friends travelling together. This option is only available by request, so please email us if you'd like to share with a friend.
Grants
We have two grants designed to assist those who may need financial support to attend. One grant is available to Cornwall residents, and the other is open to anyone else.
To apply for a free place, first make sure you are following Dyski on Instagram and/or subscribe to our mailing list. Then, email us with a short statement (no more than 300 words) explaining why you would like to attend and make sure to mention which residency you arre pllaying for. Please include how taking part in the workshop will benefit you personally and what you hope to gain from the experience.
︎︎︎ EMAIL US to apply
GRANT DEADLINE JULY 20, 2025.
Dyski
Pronounced [dɪski], a Cornish Verb which means to learn, or to teach.
Creative residential workshops in Cornwall with a focus on immersive, experimental & place-based learning.
Pronounced [dɪski], a Cornish Verb which means to learn, or to teach.
Creative residential workshops in Cornwall with a focus on immersive, experimental & place-based learning.
Grants
We offer cutting-edge immersive workshops that nurture creativity, emphasising community support and giving back. Each Dyski workshop includes two grants, designed to assist those who may need financial support to attend. One grant is available to Cornwall residents, and the other is open to anyone else.
We offer cutting-edge immersive workshops that nurture creativity, emphasising community support and giving back. Each Dyski workshop includes two grants, designed to assist those who may need financial support to attend. One grant is available to Cornwall residents, and the other is open to anyone else.