The sounds of space: Social space and social listening (Part II). Issue 1 (March 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Griffiths, Tom Lock
• Is Part Of: New soundtrack. Volume 4:Issue 1(2014)
• Page Start: 15
• Page End: 28
• Publication Date: 2014-03
• Subjects: Motion picture music -- Periodicals; Film soundtracks -- Periodicals; 781.54205
• DOI: 10.3366/sound.2014.0049
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2042-8855

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <p>In filmmaking practice, several elements of the soundtrack, certain sound effects, the atmospheres tracks, and the acoustic treatment of sounds and so on, are about imparting spatial information. Filmmaking may be conceived as a spatial art form and the soundtrack is a key (though not exclusive) bearer of this spatial information. It is the aim of this article to unpick and expand upon the implications of recognising that the soundtrack is spatial. It has revealed a way of thinking about the soundtrack that is alive to the social; aware of the social context of the people who live in and create the spaces it is my job to describe. Aware too, of the subjective and emotional ways in which people experience space. Space then is something that can be understood as being both socially produced and experiential. This article is therefore also about exploring what that means when thinking about the spatial elements of my practice. All of which I believe has made me a more sensitive practitioner but also and perhaps most importantly, a better listener.</p> <p>Part I of this article appeared in <italic>The New Soundtrack, Volume 3, Issue 2, 2013.</italic></p> </abstract>