SOUNDSCAPES
explore the sound of our environment through the art of field recording
a complex web of interconnectedness, where progress comes with new challenges and threats
Located near an high-voltage substation and several electricity pylons, which form the backbone of the regional electricity supply. At this site the tangible and invisible elements of our modern society converge. Specialized microphones and receivers reveal both audible and inaudible frequencies, including infrasound and electromagnetic signals. The characteristics of these frequencies represent the invisible nowadays digital threat that surrounds our society.
a sonic homage to a once vibrant river, now quietly reclaimed by the forest
Located by a former vibrant flowing river, now called Ru du Pierreux. The river used to be rich in life with trout swimming through the clear waters. The sounds of flowing water and splashing fish, which symbolized the vitality of the river, are now long gone. Today during summer, only a small water stream can be found. Trace the rich history and adaptability of nature, which make us aware of the vulnerability and strength of our ecosystems.
auditive narrative of noise pollution in the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area
Located at the European Route E25, connecting North- and South Europe, where just a fraction of it is located in the Rotterdam-The Hague metropolitan area as the Rijksweg 20 or A20. This motorway supported by several overpasses through South Holland, which one of them forms the base of this piece — Brandersbrug in Schiedam. Experience a narrative of this metropolitan area formed by a collection of sources both auditive and non-auditive for human. Recordings are partly manipulated by equalisation and time-based effects to create a soundscape from noise pollution by the fast pace of humanity.
through the ears of its aquatic- and surrounded wildlife
Located on the Noorderhoofd pier along the busiest waterway in Europe, in Hoek van Holland, The Netherlands. The waterway is a ship canal called de Nieuwe Waterweg, which makes the Port of Rotterdam accessible for seagoing vessels from and to the North Sea. It’s the largest port in Europe and specialised in the petrochemical industries and cargo transshipment handlings. Across the water of Noorderhoofd are the very heavily industrialised Maasvlakte and Europoort.​
a blend between a realistic urban- and surreal soundscape composition
"A Soundwalk Through Budapest [47.499553° N, 19.054739° O]" is an auditory representation of a field-recording session in Budapest on February 16th, 2022. This sonification of the city is created by several recorded one-shots and ambiences, placed in chronological order, resulting in this soundwalk concept. The track is part of the project "Buda's Barrels", released under Sem's organic dance alias, OKIN-OMIS. Besides the soundwalk, the record contains three dance tracks.