From Bristol to Brooklyn: in search of soundmarks

Farrar, R (2013) From Bristol to Brooklyn: in search of soundmarks. In: Philosophy and the Arts Graduate Conference: Defining Soundscapes and Territories, 30 March 2013, Stony Brook University, New York, USA.

Abstract

Bristol is renowned for its landmarks such as Clifton Suspension Bridge, which is often displayed on visual postcards. However, what makes Bristol sound distinctly Bristol? In other words, does Bristol have soundmarks? R. Murray Schafer first coined this sonic term in 1977, which translates as a sound equivalent of landmarks. This paper will focus on disseminating insights gained from applying Schafer's definition of soundmarks to practice-based research. Utilising binaural technology, original field recordings of Bristol in the U.K. will be compared to binaural recordings of Brooklyn in the U.S. to ascertain if each city possesses unique soundmarks or if these two territories are sonically related in sharing common everyday urban sounds. Disciplines ranging from acoustic ecology to socio-political theories on practices of everyday life will be drawn upon in this paper to examine if it is possible to find, record and preserve soundmarks and the implications this may have on sound's relationship to space and place.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)
Subjects:	B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > B Philosophy (General)
Divisions:	Bath School of Art, Film and Media
Date Deposited:	29 Jun 2017 10:35
Last Modified:	06 Jan 2022 19:39
URI / Page ID:	https://researchspace.bathspa.ac.uk/id/eprint/9153

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