Month: April 2022

Memory Soundscape

 

Concept

When the project was first introduced, one specific memory came in mind, because those were my happiest days. Due to current situation, I often myself reminiscing those days. I am happiest when it comes down to good food accompanied by friends or family which is what my memory for this project involves. The memory I have chosen is when I was able to dine at a fancy restaurant with my sister. The way I wanted to portray this memory was a sequential order.  I started off with sound off getting ready and used the sound of the elevator to make it seem that it was the subway, and I was on my way to meet her at the restaurant. You could also tell I was outside through the background sound with birds. From there, instrumentals begin and that is the main background noise because the restaurant was so tiny, no one really talks and focuses only the meal. Since it was omakase style, I added additional sounds to replicate the sounds that I recall when they prepare the food in front of you. Finally, it fades into the same sounds as the beginning to show that I have left, and I am back to my mundane life. 

 Process

While this was a rather simple memory, it is one that I constantly like to revisit. In that moment, I was not only happy, but also at really peaceful state because this also took place right when the semester ended. I was able to reward myself for my hard work and think about the all the things I can look forward to during my break. Because my mind was very calm and relaxed, I wanted my composition to do the same. I did those by having specific sounds that each section can be focused rather than have a lot going on because in that moment, I was only focused on the food and environment, and that composition follows how my day was played out.

Conclusion

If I had more time with this assignment, and for future improvements, I would definitely experiment with more recordings. In addition, I also think that it would be interesting to replicate this audio through recordings that I take outside. One of the main challenges I faced was that I was limited to what I can record in my dorms, but this did allow me to think outside of the box. I think that it was a fun experiment and found sounds that I would not typically use if it weren’t for the constraints of not being able to go outside. 

The Uncertainty of Documentarism

Steyerl talks about how the “unbroken belief” of the documentary form is challenged. The idea of “unbroken belief” in this context relates not to the truth in content, but emphasizes how the truth in the content is portrayed. A better example to break down the “unbroken belief” by Steyerl states “They are perfectly true documents of that general uncertainty… The abstract pixels that flicker across the screen are the crystal clear expression of a time in which the connection between images and things has become questionable and is under general suspicion”. This quotes gives a basic summary because documents typically highlight real life events, scenarios and or things. However, the documentation may leave out certain aspects or only focus in certain things which relates to the pixel, and ultimately how the documentation is presented. Rather than questioning that documentary, the focus is shifted into the commentary which highlights this idea of unbroken beliefs.

Furthermore, certain movies and films are based on a true story.  The truth informs the fiction because it is the foundation and will provide the framework of a real picture. Fiction informs the truth by tying in a different aspect of reality, and makes the audience question its realism. While it is likely to happen, it isn’t the truth.

The significance of authenticity and representation of the truth in the media that we consume on a daily basis is that it allows us to know what is happening in our world. The are many significant events that happen on our daily lives and the way we receive and perceive that information also depends on the authenticity and representation of it in the media. In addition, the role of a live broadcast helps give authenticity and representation in the media because it occurs in real time. While it is happening, the media is reporting at the same time and usually this erases some chances of cuts and edits that could potentially hide the truth.