As further research for my project proposal B I decided to continue my exploration of infrasounds ultrasounds and sonic noise that was beyond human hearing. When recording with the geophones I found it fascinating that this noise and vibration is constantly surrounding us but is not registered. Pauline Olivero’s thoughts on deep listening furthered my infatuation.
Deep Listening is an evolving practice that comes from my experience as a composer, performer, improviser and audience member. My music training was generally centred on techniques for how to perform and appreciate music of the past. This type of education is generally true for most music students. Encouragement for composing or improvising and appreciation for new music was almost nonexistent in my earliest musical training. Most students do not realize that they have the creative potential to make their music as well as learn to perform traditional music.
Her observations around deeper listening alongside the combination of infrasound inspired me to go visit an anechoic chamber. I wanted to exercise my deeper listening skills to their max by placing myself in a place with no obvious or immediate sonic influence. John Cage famously stated that he heard a noise and put this down to his blood flow whilst visiting an anechoic chamber.
It was after I got to Boston that I went into the anechoic chamber at Harvard University. Anybody who knows me knows this story. I am constantly telling it. Anyway, in that silent room, I heard two sounds, one high and one low. Afterwards, I asked the engineer in charge why, if the room was so silent, I had heard two sounds. He said, ‘Describe them’. I did. He said, ‘The high one was your nervous system in operation. The low one was your blood in circulation.
In retaliation to this, I entered the chamber with this in mind – despite not hearing my blood stream I did personally hear a humming vibration sound. This intrigued me as to whether this was a sonic hallucination or vibration that would not usually be noticed during daily routine. I walked away from this experience inspired to explore this with my geophonic microphone at lead – trying to discover new vibrations and noise that are not usually heard.
Upon reflection, I feel that my knowledge hindered my overall experience within the chamber. Despite finding the experience thrilling I believe I went in with pre-conceptions and damaged my initial thoughts and feelings. I hope to one day re-visit the chamber and go in again with a clearer blank mindset.
