Hanna Tuulikki and Tommy Perman: An Auditory Exploration of Bat Sounds in Electronic Music
In a groundbreaking fusion of nature and sound, the U.K.-based artist duo of Hanna Tuulikki and Tommy Perman has transformed the landscape of electronic music. Their collaboration, born out of a unique project focusing on bat sounds, led to the release of a captivating two-track EP titled Echo in the Dark in July 2022. This innovative offering exemplifies the essence of chillwave dance music, featuring ethereal beats intertwined with an otherworldly soundscape, all of which are crafted from the ultrasonic calls of various U.K. bat species.
- Hanna Tuulikki and Tommy Perman: An Auditory Exploration of Bat Sounds in Electronic Music
- The Genesis of a Unique Sound
- Unearthing the Sounds of Bats
- Fieldwork and Collaboration
- A Love Letter to Dance Music
- Silent Raves and Ecological Engagement
- The Diversity of Bat Sounds
- Upcoming Full-Length Release
- Bridging Nature and Music
The Genesis of a Unique Sound
The journey began when the Scottish arts venue Hospitalfield commissioned Tuulikki to create a music project centered on the sounds of bats. Recognizing the potential for a compelling collaboration, Tuulikki reached out to Perman, who co-founded the Blackford Hill label responsible for releasing their work. Drawing from her background and appreciation for electronic music, Tuulikki decided that dance music was a perfect medium to showcase the ultrasonic world of bats.
Unearthing the Sounds of Bats
Typically, bat calls are beyond human auditory perception, existing in the ultrasonic frequency range. However, using heterodyne bat detectors, Tuulikki and Perman were able to manipulate these frequencies, making the calls audible to human listeners. What emerged from this process was a rich tapestry of sounds resembling clicks, buzzing, and intricate rhythms—elements that echo the nuances found in electronic music itself. This sonic palette reflects how bats communicate, hunt, and navigate in their environments.
Fieldwork and Collaboration
To create the EP, the duo ventured into the field, partnering with the Tayside Bat Group in Scotland to identify and record native bat species. Their efforts resulted in capturing calls from 13 of the 18 bat species found in the U.K., with eight distinct species featured in the final album. This fieldwork not only enhanced their understanding of bat acoustics but also inspired a deeper connection to the ecological themes they wished to explore.
A Love Letter to Dance Music
Originally released on July 28, 2022, Echo in the Dark was met with enthusiasm, marking a unique intersection of ecological awareness and artistic expression. This project was dubbed a “love letter to dance music,” emphasizing the parallels between raving and bat echolocation as models for environmental coexistence. The raw energy of the music reflects the vibrancy of the natural world, inviting listeners to engage with the themes of ecology through a dance floor lens.
Silent Raves and Ecological Engagement
The project took an innovative turn in September 2022, when Tuulikki and Perman hosted three silent bat raves at Hospitalfield. These events created an immersive experience for ecologically-minded EDM fans, showcasing the bat rave mixes in a captivating atmosphere. Instead of layering bat calls over conventional electronic beats, the duo crafted beats directly from the transformed echolocation frequencies, resulting in a soundscape that does not rely on synthesizers or traditional instruments. Tuulikki’s ethereal vocals layered over these compositions further enriched the auditory experience.
The Diversity of Bat Sounds
The exploration of bat sounds revealed a surprising variety among different species, challenging the common misconception that all bats sound alike. In an August 2026 report, Perman shared his initial skepticism, which quickly transformed into awe at the diversity he encountered. The lesser horseshoe bat, for example, produces beautiful, rippling calls reminiscent of a dub record, while the Daubenton’s bat delivers syncopated rhythms akin to a jazz drummer. This sonic diversity not only enhances the musical compositions but also elevates our understanding of bat communication.
Upcoming Full-Length Release
Fans of the project can anticipate an exciting new chapter as Echo in the Dark is set for a full-length reissue on August 28, 2026. This reimagined version will be available in both vinyl and digital formats through the Glasgow-based label KIN-TU. The album promises to retain its captivating club energy while further highlighting the environmental issues affecting bat populations in the U.K. Through their innovative approach, Tuulikki and Perman effectively bring awareness to these ecological challenges, proving that engaging with nature can coexist harmoniously with the art of music.
Bridging Nature and Music
Tuulikki and Perman’s journey serves as a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of art and ecology, as they harness the unique sounds of the natural world to create a fresh narrative within electronic music. By embracing bat echolocation as a foundation for their work, they not only craft mesmerizing beats but also invite listeners to reflect on the importance of preserving our environment—a truly harmonious blend of creativity and conservation.
