Questions, questions questions...

In preparation for my second drift it is important that I address some of the things I noticed in my first drift. Here are some of the questions I pose myself...

1. What kinds of areas contrasted or compared to other areas?
2. Where did I notice large groups of people engaged in activity?
3. Where did I find sights that puzzled, perplexed, and confused me?
4. How would my findings change in different weather conditions?
5. How would a residential area produce a different atmosphere during the day then at night?
6. How did people react to a person carrying a microphone and how can it be concealed to produce a more natural response?
7. Where can I find the perfect balance between nature and industry?
8. Where can I go and be surrounded by 100% nature?
9. What kinds of things prompted interesting social, cultural, and moral ideas.
10. What did I do that engaged myself in my surroundings the most?

Assessing My First Drift

During my first drift I was momentarily bothered by what seemed to be an absence of interesting noises. This may have to do with the speed at which I encountered my first interesting sound. So the fact that I walked for several blocks without hearing anything out of the ordinary in the middle of my walk was troubling. Another thing that worried me was that way in which people acted when they realized I was using some sort of recording device. Some of the people I saw on the sidewalks changed their course by crossing the street before walking past the microphone. Others quieted their conversations as I approached.

I felt unusually at peace in the beginning of my walk. I had made my way past the Norris Health Center and sat down in the parking lot by the Heating Plant. The Heating Plant creates a droning hum that hypnotized me. I got lost in its unrelenting ambiance. Needless to say it was a fine way to begin my walk. I also found peace wandering through local residential neighborhoods. Activity was scarce. I was far enough away from the sounds of traffic on busy streets and close enough to the sounds of nature (the wind blowing through tree leaves, birds singing, animals scurrying past me on the grass) without feeling completely cut off from society.

In the days leading up to my walk and my preparations for it I was not expecting to find sounds that I could call interesting as easily as I did. I was somewhat prepared to actively participate with my surroundings in order to produce noises. I was pleased to find the field experience contrary to my preparations. I was able to allow my surroundings to act as they were without my interference. I was also confronted by an interesting social situation. My algorithm had lead me to what I would call an “upper-class” neighborhood. It was here that I witnessed large, beautiful houses with extensively detailed landscaping. It seemed like every other house had a lawn-care service present making sure their hedges were trimmed, flower gardens watered, and sidewalk free of weeds. It caused me to wonder about these companies, their clients, and how many people would be out of jobs if the “upper-class” could no longer afford such luxuries. During my walk I was also confronted with on the spot decision making. My drift strategy contained a time limit in which I would stay on a certain road. There were times however when the sounds I was recording exceeded the time limits constraints expressed in my strategy. I must admit, I broke these constraints. But it was for the good of the project! I swear!

My favorite experience on my first drift took place in an upper-class residential area. I had walked for quite some time without hearing any substantial uniqueness. Approaching what I thought could be a great opportunity for sound gathering I armed my microphone and started recording four young boys playing in their front yard. These young boys paid no attention to me, although I am positive they saw me. I was of no concern to them. This free-spirited attitude endeared me to their noisy play. They were willing to be themselves while I listened in, closely inspecting every word they uttered. It reminded me of my childhood and the place I grew up. This connection with the sounds I captured has made this a far more special project than I had ever imagined.