Brainstorm Blog #2: Exquisite Corpse Soundscape

When first thinking about the idea of a soundscape, I have ideas that are related to calming and natural situations, creating a space of relaxation or reflection. To me, sound is usually related to unwinding at the end of the day, or taking a drive and playing some of my favorite songs. When I am at work or in busy hallways, lots of sound and interactions can easily become overwhelming. So, typically I would want to create something that doesn't echo that and rather brings a sense of calm and enjoyment.

However, after thinking about it more, I feel as though I would like to create something that better represents how I, and potentially others, may feel on the inside during stressful and busy times with classes, homework, a job, family obligations, and more. Even though we may, on the outside, present as put-together and having it all figured out, I find that the inside of my head has a lot going on. I often feel jumbled and chaotic and stressed, or even just unsettled with thoughts and assignments constantly running around my brain. It is very hard to focus on one thing at a time when there is so much to be done, and that can feel incredibly overwhelming and cumbersome. Therefore, I would like to demonstrate that feeling through a soundscape.

In order to execute this, I will try to find sounds from our shared folder that are unsettling, disturbing, gross, or just obnoxious. This could include sloppy chewing, really loud/crowded conversation, nails on a chalkboard, moist bubbling, and more. In order to have a beginning, middle and end I think I will start off slow and less jumbled, then build to the most chaotic/unsettling in the middle, then taper off again in the end and come to a close. This replicates moving throughout the day, where although there are constant thoughts and stressors, it always increases in the middle of the day when all the assignments and obligations are in the peak of the mind, and then trying to shove them out to get some rest at the end of the day. However, there are always some thoughts and overwhelming feeling that stay behind, lingering to come again another day in full force.