In Situ Improvised Soundscape Mixing

Abstract

This project developed and articulated an approach to preparing for, carrying out and editing recordings of soundwalks. Reconceiving the soundwalk as an improvisational performance practice in which choices about route and timing are informed by real-time decision-making and intuition rather than pre-determined planning, chosen spaces are performed for the benefit of binaural recordings and for later editing. The research is innovative in its engagement with the use of sound separation and its adherence to a spatial point-of-audition in the performance/recording. An essay published on the author's website describes the techniques to be used in the preparation, performance, recording and editing stages. The project also resulted in an album, ‘Shops, Trains and Leaves’ on the Set Foot Press label [https://setfootpress.bandcamp.com/album/shops-trains-and-leaves].