The Museum for the United Nations' initiative, Sounds Right, redefines the intersection of music and environmental activism by officially recognizing Nature as an artist. This innovative approach allows natural sounds to generate royalties on streaming platforms, directing funds toward conservation efforts.
A standout contribution to this project is Brian Eno's remix of David Bowie's "Get Real," which integrates the cries of hyenas, rooks, and wild pigs, creating a visceral connection between music and the natural world. This collaboration exemplifies how artists can embed environmental elements into their work, fostering a deeper appreciation for nature's sonic landscapes.
The potential impact of Sounds Right is substantial, with projections estimating over 600 million listeners and more than $40 million raised for conservation within its first four years. By engaging a global audience through music, the initiative not only generates essential funding but also cultivates a widespread awareness of environmental issues.
One of the most exciting aspects of this project is its focus on cultivating better listening habits, encouraging people to actively tune in to the sounds around them. Beyond personal mindfulness, this approach connects to a thriving field recording scene, where artists leverage cutting-edge remote audio technology to capture and share these auditory experiences. This fusion of attentive listening and modern recording tools has created a dynamic global movement that celebrates the art of soundscapes.
As field recording and soundscape composition gain momentum, this emerging scene is becoming a vital force within music and audio arts. Field recording challenges traditional boundaries of music by highlighting the raw, unfiltered sounds of nature and urban environments. It bridges the gap between art and environmental awareness, providing a platform for listeners to engage with the world’s soundscapes in deeply meaningful ways.
For those looking to explore this vibrant field, we've compiled a list of artists who are either renowned for capturing nature and urban environments or are finding innovative ways to embed these sounds into their compositions. This list serves as a gateway for anyone eager to dive into the world of field recording and sonic artistry:
Jana Winderen (Norway): Specializes in underwater acoustic ecology, recording the hidden sounds of marine environments. She uses hydrophones to capture sounds from deep ocean ecosystems, bringing attention to underwater environments that are typically inaudible to human ears.
Annea Lockwood (New Zealand/USA): A pioneering composer who creates profound works based on natural soundscapes, particularly known for her "River Mapping" projects. She records and composes pieces that explore the sonic characteristics of rivers, capturing their unique acoustic ecosystems.
Chris Watson (UK): A pioneering field recordist who meticulously captures wildlife and natural environments. Former member of Cabaret Voltaire, he now works extensively with BBC Natural History Unit. Watson is renowned for recording intricate soundscapes from diverse environments like Arctic ice, African savannas, and rainforests.
Francisco López (Spain): Develops immersive sound environments using field recordings from globally diverse locations. His approach is often abstract, transforming natural sounds into complex sonic landscapes that challenge traditional perceptions of environmental recordings.
Kathy Hinde (UK): Creates audiovisual installations that integrate field recordings, exploring the intricate relationships between nature, technology, and sound. Her work often involves capturing and transforming natural sounds into multi-sensory experiences.
Pablo Diserens (Switzerland): Co-founder of Forms of Minutiae, he curates and contributes to projects highlighting ecological field recordings. Focuses on capturing and presenting sonic landscapes that reveal environmental nuances and acoustic ecologies.
Kate Carr (Australia): Explores the emotional and ecological dimensions of sound through field recordings. Her work focuses on capturing the sonic characteristics of specific places, often highlighting environmental changes and ecological interactions.
Peter Cusack (UK): Documents soundscapes from various regions, including areas affected by environmental changes. His work focuses on capturing the acoustic environments of specific locations, particularly those undergoing ecological or social transformations.
For more information on the Sounds Right initiative, please visit the following resources:
Museum for the United Nations – UN Live: Sounds Right: An overview of the initiative, its objectives, and participating artists. Museum for the United Nations – UN Live: Sounds Right
AKQA: Sounds Right: Details on the creative development and global launch campaign of the project. AKQA: Sounds Right
EarthPercent: Sounds Right Fund: Information on how the initiative channels royalties to conservation efforts. EarthPercent: Sounds Right Fund
EcoWatch Article: Insights into how Sounds Right recognizes nature as a musician, with royalties supporting environmental causes. EcoWatch Article
Rare.org Article: Discussion on transforming passion for music into impact for nature through the initiative. Rare.org Article