Audio Visuality of the Future
Project Description
In this project, I aim to capture and meticulously curate a soundscape that traces the auditory evolution of New York City from the 1500s to the present day, and projects into a speculative future era. This exploration seeks to recreate the sonic environment of various parts of NYC at different historical moments using purely audio techniques, without visual aids.
The project highlights the persistent and often overwhelming sounds of the city, both historically and in the present, drawing attention to issues such as auditory overstimulation and the long-term adverse effects of sustained exposure to such noise. By focusing on these sounds, I hope to stimulate important discussions about the impact of urban noise on individuals and encourage empathy for those living with auditory overstimulation disorders. My goal is for the audience to envision and connect with the evolving soundscape of NYC, fostering awareness and driving change within the community.
Background Summary
A deep analysis of the soundscape of a particular place can reveal significant insights about that location. It can shed light on cultural inclinations and diversity, as well as provide data-driven information on noise pollution, which in turn can inform us about the quality of life for its residents.
There is a notable correlation between natural audio-visual stimuli provided by environments and their effects on an individual's nervous system. Phenomena such as ASMR, misophonia, and sound-induced goosebumps support the idea that sounds have a direct impact on neurophysiological responses.
It's important to recognize that while auditory sensitivity is often associated with individuals on the autism spectrum, it is not exclusive to them. People not on the spectrum can also experience heightened sensitivity to certain sounds.
Prolonged exposure to unpleasant noises does not lead to desensitization, as one might expect. Instead, evidence suggests that our brains become more attuned to these irritating sounds over time, making our ears more susceptible to similar noises in the long term.
Methods and Techniques
During the prototyping phase of this project, I experimented with various audio manipulation techniques to evoke specific emotions such as happiness, euphoria, fear (of impending doom), discomfort, and grief. I used a mix of simple everyday sound samples and recordings, incorporating both royalty-free samples from the internet and audio captured from field recordings around the city.
To achieve the desired effects, I added texture and granular properties to the samples to emulate the audio quality of historical recordings. I created experimental Max patches to generate specific audio effects, which were crucial for illustrating the subtle yet pervasive ambiance of the speculative future I aimed to depict.
Multiple Max patches were developed to manipulate audio textures, making them sound darker, more ambient, or even eerie. Objects like mc.groove were utilized to create these effects. The deviation logic within the patches was adjusted to intensify or reduce the effects, aiming to foster a sense of intrigue and evoke a fear of the unknown.