BIRD & RENOULT - GOLD LINES (K7)

"High-frequency trading (HFT) uses complex algorithms to analyse multiple markets and execute orders. In trading vocabulary a signal is a pattern of data that influences these algorithms, inciting them to buy or sell shares or cancel an order. In this business each microsecond is crucial, so finding the fastest and most direct paths between the main exchanges is essential. To transmit this data faster than a blink of an eye, an almost forgotten and surprisingly fast technology is used, radio waves. Since 2016 we have been mapping these radio routes by finding the pylons, frequencies and relay links that transmit HFT data back and forth, in loops that cover the Earth. The core material of this edition explores recordings of the Super High Frequency radio waves, signal noise and field recording we have captured at the base of antennas between Chicago and New York, London and Frankfurt between 2016 and 2020." (B&R)