I’m in an interesting position for both portfolio one and Portfolio 2. The first project was been waiting for me to record vocals, mix and master. I’ve also done a lot of reading for both, including project 2, which is centred around field recording at its discourse. I’m now one book away from finishing my research, and today’s trip was the last of experiments and techniques. I recorded three different styles, one was loud recordings, in locations opposite to what I’ve been reading, loud and busy locations, I’m attempting to record harsh areas through a different lens such as a contact microphone. I also recorded a loud sound walk inspired by a paper from the Brazilian sound art book, changing the ideas of sound walks, and also thinking bout words from Mark Peter Wright and considering who is behind the field recording and also the words from Salome who considers field recordings to really shine when the relationship between the recordist and place to come through. I also carried on this extended listening practice located from Jez Riley French. After this post, and this weekend coming, I will spend 3 days recording as much as possible, I will be out all day. On Sunday I will record the dawn chorus and attend sound camp. The festival is at Rotherhithe Ecological Park. The national dawn chorus day.
Firstly I went to the busiest place I could think of close by, central London. I arrived and set up a contact mic, testing fences, light posts and even my bike wheel. I spent time listening, the recordings were at least 10 minutes in length.
I forgot my recorder but remembered Rory Salter from the sound art department recommending the phone as a great alternative and instead recorded my sound walk for 37 minutes with my phone. I was loud, present and engaged as if the recorder was not there. I made an effort to not be overly loud and present but what I would normally be with it, I also did things inspired by the loud sound walks from Making It Heard, I walked into shops, ran across roads, and burped.
I’ll reflect back on these recordings and now prepare for this weekend and Sunday dawn chorus event.