Nature and man-made infrastructure can give us unique cues for researching new sounds. These later will be processed in the studio and integrated with musical instruments, or sound textures will be created, through new techniques that become sound art. Fragments of soundscapes have great evocative power, and their presence in the soundtrack, can expand the emotional impact of the narrative.
From the field recording….
Here is an example I produced of the granular recording/editing/arrangement process. From a small lock where water from a river flows under the ground. Using in this case a microphone designed for seismic surveys, some very interesting low-frequency sounds are captured. You can hear them in the audio below
…To the transformation and integration into soundtrack
This is one of the possible outcomes considering a mood drama
Each film can have its own unique voice
New, unique, particular sounds create a unique timbre, like a person’s voice. We should think of the soundtrack as the voice of a person, representing the film, with its own unique and unrepeatable timbre. Thus a soundtrack acquires its own personality, avoids the “already heard,”
or moods that tend to be homologating,, especially if libraries are used. And so the film or documentary, also through music and sound, communicates with its uniqueness and authority, its own voice.
Sound Art through Granular Editing
Granular editing is a sound manipulation technique that breaks down audio signals into small fragments called “grains” and processes them individually to create new sound textures and timbres. This technique allows the original sound to be completely transformed, creating effects ranging from subtle to dramatic. In the context of soundtrack creation, granular editing can be used to transform soundscapes and sound details into something completely new, adding depth, atmosphere and originality to compositions.
Peculiarities of granular editing in soundscapes
- Creating Unique Atmospheres: Granular editing allows you to manipulate soundscapes to create unique and immersive atmospheres that perfectly match the scene or context of the work.
- Exploration of the Temporal Dimension: Through granular editing, you can explore the temporal dimension of sound by slowing down, speeding up, or reversing sound grains to create space and motion effects.
- Creative Expression: This technique offers broad expressive freedom, allowing composers to experiment with sound forms and structures that would otherwise be impossible to achieve.
- Integration with Visual Narrative: Manipulating soundscapes through granular editing allows for greater integration with visual narrative, emphasizing the themes and emotions present in the story.
- Technological Innovation: Granular editing takes advantage of modern digital technologies for sound manipulation, allowing unprecedented precision and flexibility in soundtrack creation.
Fragments of soundscapes for new soundtracks: this practice not only enriches audiences’ audiovisual experience, but also offers endless creative and expressive possibilities for sound artists.
If you would like to explore this topic together for your new projects, please write to Joe Schievano:
Email: joe@joeschievano.com
Music production by Soundrivemotion