Transportation in its many forms is a necessity to most people in today’s society. We’ve become a world of commuters, traveling daily to jobs, stores, and for leisure. Our desire and / or need to travel by car has led to the development of superhighways and interstates, huge multi-lane roads allowing us to get from one place to another via the fastest, most direct route possible. Somehow travel has become a dull necessity rather than an exciting adventure.

Travelers who avoid the highways in favor of taking the “back roads” often find their trips to be filled with adventures; twists and turns in the road, ever-changing scenery and even odd yet interesting locations at which to stop. Although taking back roads requires more stops, less speed and takes more time, it can certainly be more interesting and ultimately more fulfilling to the curious, daydreaming traveler.

Backroads tells the “tale” of three roads that I’ve encountered on various trips when not taking highways. The piece also explores ideas related to travel, dreaming, and states of being (inside / outside), (day / night), (fast / slow), (conscious / unconscious / subconscious).

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Backroads was realized in 2002 at the composer’s studio in Bowling Green (Ohio, USA) and premiered on September 13, 2002 during Rien à voir (12) concert series presented by Réseaux at Espace GO in Montréal (Québec). The piece was commissioned by Réseaux des arts médiatiques. Thanks to Jean-François Denis, Gilles Gobeil, and Robert Normandeau for support and inspiration.

Premiere

• September 13, 2002, Rien à voir (12): Taking Backroads, Creating Inroads, Espace Go, Montréal (Québec)