Transportation modes are becoming increasingly quieter, digital sounds are easily muted, musical stimuli can be directionally focused, audio media is privately consumed, and industrial modes of production are utilizing more technology and less humans – which brings me to question: how are these changes influencing the ways in which sound artists create their auditory artworks? This project seeks to answer that question by analyzing the creative consequences of a “quieting” sonic world.
Historically, the study of sound has focused on the element of noise in a given environment, beginning with the industrial revolution, which gave rise to a form of sound experimentation and organization reflective of the growing noise pollution of that time. However, with the increasing quality and proliferation of digital technologies, we are now seeing a shift towards the containment of sound. Where the existence of a noisy world led to artistic and expressive manifestations reflective of intrusive and encompassing soundscapes, today’s sonic arena reflects a much quieter society, which is allowing sound artists to refocus aspects of control over the method and mode of their auditory creations.
Consequently, I propose that the existing paradigm in sound art is experiencing a moment of flux, through the ubiquity of headphones, quiet spaces, sonic mobile applications (e.g. meditation apps, silence controls), as well as the generalized fatigue of the modern world. This project will delve deeper into exploring the shifting paradigm in sound studies, as well as the changes in the creative focus of those who utilize sound technology as a creative and artistic platform.
About the presenterMatt Altamura
Professional sound artist and academic, with extensive experience in producing and teaching various facets of audio and video production.