Sound Pieces
Binaural frequencies, Meditation research, and converting feeling to sound.
A Single Vibe
Being well-versed in multimedia artistry, I wanted to explore more experimental sound. On my SoundCloud I post scores from current films I'm working on and independent sound pieces.
Relization of Self
This piece is a contribution to my reflections on self-care, new opportunities, and the beauty of life itself. It uses a combination of my voice and digital synthesizer to direct the narrative.
Leaving Reality - Entering Mind
This Piece is a response to Laurie Anderson's Listen To My Heartbeat. It uses a combination of my voice and digital synthesizer to direct the narrative.
FOMO
FOMO is a soundscape adaptation meant to capture the mental stimuli to reenact the feeling of fear of missing out. It combines binaural frequencies, digital synthesizer, and deep listening to emphasize the lasting duration of this feeling.
The Work Grind
This soundscape is a study of the psychological properties of overlapping voices and subconscious reactions of binaural frequencies. the narrative follows two sets of recordings of me reading my 6th life book while studying for finals.
Sound Research
While working on my short film LIFEBOOKS (2016-2023) Perspective & Reality, I had the challenge of creating the musical score for each of the main sections of the film. As I started working on each piece, I was compelled to explore further with experimental sound. Since my first computer in high school, I have used a Garageband to make music while studying. This would keep my mind engaged by creating new tunes, but it also was a relaxing B for my usual A, B pattern work ethic. An A, B pattern is something I learned in kindergarten. For example, A would be the period where I would dedicate my time to working on an assignment, and B would be the small reward of taking a break between each section of work. This has been a helpful time management strategy for me throughout my life.
Studying sound design over the past year has taught me much more about how to listen to sound and what notes and tones can subconsciously create specific feelings through overlapping frequencies. For example, in the score for my film LIFEBOOKS (2016-2023) Perspective & Reality, I incorporated several binaural frequencies*. These frequencies are believed to enhance relaxation, positivity, and provide better sleeping experiences.
“This enhancement of brainwaves has been studied to determine their effectiveness at reducing stress, anxiety, help in sleep, and increased focus (Brown, 2023). Though highly debated in terms of effectiveness, the concept is intriguing. A 2020 study showed that inclusion of binaural beats in addition to traditional therapy reduced trait anxiety significantly compared to therapy alone or medication (Yusim and Grigaitis, 2020).” (Jung)
Another exciting potential for binaural frequencies is its use in medicine. In 2022, Ling Jiunn Loong published a study showing:
“Binaural beat audio decreases operative pain and anxiety in cataract surgery under topical anaesthesia. It may have additional benefits in modulating the tachycardic response to stress.” (Jiunn Loong)
I wanted to use binaural frequencies to relax viewers into understanding and increase positivity subconsciously, so I started researching sound design as an art form. During my research, I came across the artist Laurie Anderson.
Laurie Anderson is a skilled Multimedia artist who has created and composed many sound pieces and visual art. As compelling as her visual work may be and as it has inspired me to continue my Lifebooks project, I was more inspired by her sound adaptations and found them to be “ear-opening.” As I worked with my sound pieces, I wanted to learn how to create narratives with sound. By researching Laurie's sound pieces, I watched videos of her composing pieces with real instruments. Contrasting her creation methods, I worked with digital audio software and used an edited version of my voice. Much like how she would include her voice to direct the narrative, I regularly incorporated my personal narration in the sound pieces. Some examples of this use of a vocal leading narrative in my work include The Work Grind, Leaving Reality - Entering Mind, and Realization of Self.