1977
In 1977, Max Neuhaus launched "Radio Net," a groundbreaking two-hour national broadcast (January 2, 1977) where he invited listeners to call a toll-free number and whistle NPR: The Kitchen Sisters.
Project Mechanism
The Network: Neuhaus utilized the National Public Radio (NPR) satellite system and five regional telephone nodes. By dialing into these nodes and whistling, listeners provided raw audio data to a central "electronic stomach" (a series of frequency-shifting circuits)
The whistled tones were processed and fed back into the broadcast in real-time, creating a massive, evolving, and participatory sonic texture that spanned the United States.
Whistle While You Work: This phrase—often associated with the project in colloquial press—referred to the democratic nature of the work; anyone with a phone and a voice could contribute to a high-art electronic composition while going about their daily business WNYC Archives.