What is EVP?

E.V.P stands for Electronic Voice Phenomena; Speech or speech-like sounds, which are seemingly inaudible during recording but detected when a tape is played back. It is claimed this Phenomena occurs when the voices of a Spirit interrupt an Electro Magnetic Field, (E.M.F). These ‘messages’ are typically brief, usually the length of a word or short phrase, often very difficult to understand and are sometimes claimed to be in direct response to the questions of researchers. EVP has reportedly been recorded speaking in various languages.

Many people believe that it’s possible to communicate with the dead and have continually attempted this over the years through séances, mediums, psychics, and by such practices as table tipping, Ouija boards, etc. Modern times see us still persistently using some of these age old methods but now we also have a variety of electronic equipment at our disposal that is far easier and reportedly more effective to use in our supposed communication with the departed. The results are impressive to those who are lucky enough to experience them but whether they are actually communications of the dead remains to be seen. Many believe it is a definite form of after death communication. This is the main reason that people first began experimenting with EVP.

So where did it all begin?

The Fox sisters in the 19th century began the spiritualist movement with their mysterious rapping’s, escalating the interest in spiritualism and the paranormal, which led to much ‘scientific study’ of the phenomena and many people attempting to contact the dead. Interest in EVP (originally known as “Raudive Voices” after Dr Konstantin Raudive who was an early researcher) apparently began in the 1920s.

Thomas Edison believed it was possible to construct an apparatus that would give spirits a better opportunity to succeed in getting in touch with us if they wished. Edison had first tried to make contact through some sort of phonograph device he invented in the 1890’s. Then in the late 1920s, he again tried to make contact by means of some sort of special chemical equipment. There is no evidence to support the construction of such apparatus by Edison, yet, it is claimed spirit voices were first captured on phonograph records seven years after Edison’s death, in 1938.

It was Raymond Cass however, who was considered one of the 'Worlds' foremost researchers into the phenomena. His interest apparently began while researching into Harmsworths 'History of World War 1' when, it is claimed, a male voice suddenly called his name over a primitive radio which had been switched off at the time. Raymond’s work rapidly overtook that of other UK researchers and he produced voices of clarity and amplitude which have been played at many lectures and presentations, attracting worldwide attention.