Flämischer Akkordeonstau

written for Lux Nova Duo

Flämischer Akkordeonstau is a musical reflection on a curious mobility phenomenon called “phantom traffic jams” (in Flemish “accordeonfile”, lit. “accordion traffic jam”). This occurrence happens when a traffic jam originates from one car slowing down a tiny bit and the chain reaction that follows of others pulling their brakes. I got hooked by the notion that this phenomenon can already be initiated when someone only briefly gets distracted (e.g., by their phone) and slows down just a bit. The response times of other drivers add up, possibly ending up as a fully grown-up traffic jam for no apparent reason.