Sonic Doing & Thinking: Sound Walk

Following the Thames along the bank, we were challenged to collect sounds using our Zoom recorders and contact microphones. Using random objects I found along the way, I attempted to be as experimental as possible with the contact microphone. Dragging a chair leg up and down a metal fence created a crescendo of low, booming hums. Stomping and jumping on the metallic grates of the ventilation produced a low shimmering sound. Without the contact mic, I found some simple but useful ambient noises: the hum of ventilation, water ebbing and flowing, distant conversations, grass brushing, etc.

Along with these sounds, I captured some conversations with my classmates that are quite useful. Joanna and I spoke about the influence of music, our histories in art, and our paths with sound art, and how we wish to pursue them in this course. With another classmate, (whose name I do not remember, sorry) we spoke about white noise and its unexpected popularity and comfort.

In saving these recordings, I have found a method of documentation that is effective. (please correct me if anyone thinks this is unnecessary) Naming each recording, I discovered that intertwining my humor to match the source has been most effective for my memory. Preface: I have a learning disability that directly affects my working memory causing me to forget or dismiss large portions of anything that comes in large quantities. With this, I have a somewhat difficult time remembering what each recording is exactly, henceforth, this method I have created for myself. (This is a minor detail, but I am surprised at its’ success) For example; using an emphasis on capitalization when a sound gets louder or connecting the sound to something that can trigger my memory.

I would upload a few of these recordings as examples, but myblog does not allow .wav files, but they will be included in my sound collection.