In a world where passive listening prevails, music serves not only as a pacing device but also as a shield against environmental noise. Yet, the success of music intentionally created for active listening is threatened. As the group initially tunes in together, individualised sound bubbles emerge, forming auditory microspheres that offer relative freedom of hearing. This trend is furthered by the use of headphones, akin to introducing acoustic micro-apartments into public space—an insulation technique reminiscent of wearing an acoustic diving suit.
disloyal and treasurable practices, a composition for earplugs & changing everyday environments, 2013
The work comprises 11 binaural sound sculptures with a temporal extent of 3’30” each. There is a test tone on top of the tracklist. The volume of the mobile music player shall be adjusted so that one can just barely hear this tone. The work is conceived as a permanent companion, a "head internal" permeable sound shell for everyday situations. Inside and outside blend according to the personal intensity of attention, aural focus and density of audiovisual events of the current environment.
There are 30 data-carrying SD cards, packed into plastic sachets with pictogram scores. Dissemination proceeds only by hand-to-hand transfer or digital data copy.
Concept & composition: Gerriet Krishna Sharma Design: Nico Bergmann
A–2013