The present audio chapter is a sonic recollection of various experiments that were conducted throughout the research and writing processes constituting my PhD thesis in sociological theory. The chapter is presented in audio format. It is loosely inspired by the audio paper developed by Groth and Samson (2016, 2019, 2021), with the main difference however, that in contrast to the examples presented after their manifesto, this audio chapter is not the result or recording of a live presentation in front of an audience but an assemblage or bricolage made of small texts accompanying audio recordings. The texts are not conceived as scientific arguments, but rather illustrate the displayed sounds in rather short and loose form. As fictional force, the mythical figure of Echo is being invoked, not only representing, but guiding the thinking-with sounds. In this, its narrative style is also inspired by creative practices in sociological writing, such as for instance the fiction and poetry published by SOFIZINE .
In this, the audio chapter is deeply linked with the main thesis, but still consists of a “standalone” document which hopefully escapes the flat reduction of a writing about sound.
It is not only a (re-)presentation of audio files. Instead, it wishes to actively take part in the process of thinking-with sounds that is at the core of the research project.
Navigate freely between the pages.
In order, or not.
All the materials used for the audio chapter can be found under the repository section of this audio chapter. For each piece, there is a “score” (to follow, experiment with or completely avoid) available as well as my own renderings (as code, patch, etc.). They are all free to use and misuse. Preceding each score is a list of equipment I used.
All the software used are free and open source (except RoomEq Wizard, which is free but not open source). The provided scores give a general overview of how the pieces work, but are more an invitation than anything else. Feel free to experiment the way you like.
The recommended software is only that: a recommendation. Use anything that works for you. SuperCollider and Pure Data do have a certain learning curve. However, both have very active communities and detailed documentation. I am myself still very much a beginner.