11pm on quarantine night
Lisbon lockdown sound recorded by Carlos Santos. "The nature gradually taking its place in the urban soundscape, through the voice of birds, that now sound louder and clear in a once noisier enviroment.  "Recorded at 10 PM at Olivais Sul , Lisbon Portugal. Recorded with a SD mixpre6 and a pair of Clippy primo172 in AB stereo configuration." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the s...
6m Apr 02, 2020
6m
Alfama in lockdown
Lisbon lockdown sound recorded by Inigo Sanchez. "The city of Lisbon is in lockdown. The streets have gone quiet, and the noise of traffic has been progressively replaced by birds vocalisation and an awkward silence.  "In traditional neighbourhoods such as Alfama, the sounds coming from the domestic space fill the space of the narrow cobbled streets that characterise the area, making the place ...
2m Apr 02, 2020
2m
Bells of Braga
Braga lockdown sound recorded by Pedro Sousa. "Recorded next to a street which was once one of the busiest streets in the heart of the city. In a country in the state of emergency for the last 2 weeks, a van crosses the street with a speaker requesting people to remain in their homes. And yet, birds sing and bells play." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global ...
12m Apr 02, 2020
12m
Cities and Memory on BBC Radio 4's Today programme
The Today programme on BBC Radio 4 features a package on our #StayHomeSounds project, broadcast on 1 April 2020. You can hear some highlights from the project and a conversation with us about how the sounds of the world are changing during the global coronavirus lockdown.
2m Apr 01, 2020
2m
On Chalkwell Beach
Chalkwell Beach, UK lockdown sound recorded by Georgina Clark. "Living near a beach during lockdown has been a saviour, the footpath that runs along the front is usually quite a busy, full of dog walkers and families.  "However, during this time, it has become a place of peace and tranquillity." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown aroun...
27s Mar 31, 2020
27s
Feeling fidgety, with trampoline
Poole lockdown sound recorded by Alex Wegman. "We're in lockdown and have not left the house for two weeks (apart from the garden), due to some high-risk members of the family. My kids love going on their trampoline.  "All reports about queues in supermarkets might as well be referring to another planet, as we've had all food delivered and have not set foot in public for a good while. I opened ...
2m Mar 31, 2020
2m
Feeding birds in our garden under lockdown
Norwich lockdown sound recorded  by Michael Ridge. "Since lockdown started my wife and I enjoy being out in the garden much more (when the weather permits!), part of our daily routine is feeding birds meal worm early each morning.  "As traffic is now far less frequent on the road behind us, a greater number and variety of species appear to be flying in. Typically, we see the Common Blackbird, C...
6m Mar 31, 2020
6m
An otherwise spring in Leiria
Leiria, Portugal lockdown sounds recorded by Fernando Silva. "This is the sound of a Spring afternoon in the urban area of Leiria, Portugal, recorded on March 28th, 2020. "Pandemic silence has spread by now. Sounds of the neighbourhood can be heard, birds, dogs and voices from nearby houses, passing cars, and the parrot living on the house across the street. "Chirping birds remind us that Sprin...
11m Mar 31, 2020
11m
Soundscape of a formerly busy avenue in Porto
Porto lockdown sound recorded by Bernardo Bento. "I live in an area with a city park nearby and one of the most busy streets in Porto. All of a sudden, with almost everyone in quarantine, I noticed a big difference in the soundscape.  "In this recording all you can hear is a guy playing basketball all by himself, very few people jogging and the occasional car (probably going home from work), be...
2m Mar 31, 2020
2m
Corner of 6th Avenue and 16th Street, New York City
New York lockdown sound recorded by Bill Stevens. "Last summer I composed a sound piece, part of which included the sounds from the corner of my apartment building on 16th Street and 6th Avenue in Manhattan, New York City.  "As is typical in my neighborhood, there is a vast amount of noise which as a resident of New York, you tend to block out most of the time. On that particular day, as this w...
1m Mar 31, 2020
1m
Bees in cherry blossom
London lockdown sound recorded by David Sillito. "Huntingdon Road, East Finchley.  I've walked along this road for 18 years.   "Last week I heard what sounded like some industrial machinery outside number 49, Huntingdon Road.  After a minute or so I realised the sound was coming from above me.   "The tree was in full blossom and alive with bees. There was no traffic - and no people, suddenly we...
1m Mar 30, 2020
1m
Eerie distraction, Berlin
Berlin lockdown sound recorded by Benjamin Yates.  "Some sounds recorded in my apartment in Berlin, today (30 March). Like the rest of Europe, Germany is under lockdown, so movement outside is being kept to a minimum.  "The noises you can hear come from my white noise machine - a useful thing I bought a while back that I use for distraction from the noises of neighbours and construction work in...
3m Mar 30, 2020
3m
Clap for carers, Belfast
Belfast lockdown sound recorded by Aidan Deery. "Residents of Belfast step outside their front doors to clap and show support for health workers and carers during the lockdown." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more information, see http://www.citiesandmemory.com/covid19-sounds
2m Mar 30, 2020
2m
#StayHomeSounds - Resonance FM radio show in full
Highlights from the #StayHomeSounds project by Cities and Memory, documenting the sounds and stories from people all over the world living under the Covid-19 lockdown. From dawn choruses and anti-coronavirus songs to applause for the NHS and deserted cities, it's all here.  First broadcast on Resonance FM in London on Friday 27 March 2020.
59m Mar 30, 2020
59m
Hogacre Common eco park wind turbine
Oxford lockdown sound recorded by Cities and Memory. "In the UK, people are only allowed out for food shopping, medical appointments or for one form of exercise per day, as part of the coronavirus lockdown. "One of the few nice things about the lockdown is a chance to discover or rediscover the beauty of the area in which you live - what are the little pockets to uncover, and where can the mome...
3m Mar 29, 2020
3m
Plaza del Biombo, Madrid
Madrid lockdown sound - applause, cheering and bells ring in tribute to Spain's emergency and healthcare workers - recorded by Carlos Hurtado Pastor. "This is how my home sounds at 20:00 every day. It's a binaural soundscape." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more information, see http://www.citiesandmemory.com...
6m Mar 29, 2020
6m
Vancouver lockdown ambience
Vancouver lockdown sound recorded by Paul Boechler.  "Vancouver and most of British Columbia has not been officially "locked down", but it's definitely quieted down and socially everyone is trying to avoid going out.  "Things are looking optimistic, but we also feel like we haven't been hit that hard yet." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus loc...
4m Mar 29, 2020
4m
Binaural rain from India
Lockdown sound recorded in Tripunithura Kerala, India by Arun Varma.  "The county is in lockdown for 21 days... stay at home to be safe...!" Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more information, see http://www.citiesandmemory.com/covid19-sounds
3m Mar 29, 2020
3m
Mall of America
Minneapolis, Minnesota lockdown sound recorded by Katharine Horowitz. "These are the sounds of a slowly emptying Mall of America just before it shut down until at least the end of March, in order to help prevent the spread of COVID-19." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more information, see http://www.citiesand...
23m Mar 28, 2020
23m
Clap for the NHS - Ullapool
Ullapool, Scotland lockdown recording by David Falconer.  "People in our street "Clapping For The NHS" at 20:00 on 26/03/20. The clip starts with someone clapping using the rigging of a yacht in the harbour.  "The main section is the people in our group of houses standing in the road (maintaining a safe distance!) clapping - and then being distracted by a puppy! Finally you can hear other group...
3m Mar 28, 2020
3m
Concrete Nightfall
Sao Paulo lockdown sound recorded by Herbert Baioco. "Hi all, I hope everyone is fine. Here in Brazil we have a lot of uncertainty  about Covid-19 itself and the announcements of the health ministry and the shocking ones of the president, who is in denial and provoking a lot of confusion every time he opens his mouth.  "So, here in Sao Paulo we are in quarantine, classes have been suspended and...
18m Mar 28, 2020
18m
Barcelona in lockdown
Barcelona lockdown sound recorded by _blank. "It's a field recording made from my bedroom window on a rainy day. I live on a quiet street, so the sound is not that different from any other day.  "Most people are locked at their homes, but you can hear some people on the street, cars in the distance, the gas man, etc." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global cor...
13m Mar 28, 2020
13m
Uguisu in Inokashira Park on the eve of lockdown
Yokohama lockdown sound recorded by Gretchen Jude. "I was rushing home after last-minute shopping for supplies before self-isolation, and decided to take the path through the park, where the cherry trees are in full bloom.  "People have been asked to refrain from their usual raucous spring flower-viewing festivities, so the park was relatively empty--just full of wind and crows--and one very vo...
1m Mar 28, 2020
1m
Tottenham Court Road - just before lockdown
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
At the heart of government
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
The London Eye is closed
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
Near-silence in Trafalgar Square
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
A ghostly Covent Garden
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
Oxford Circus - just before the shutdown
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
On Hungerford footbridge
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
A deserted Leicester Square
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
Ghost town Oxford Circus
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
The Bank of England
Will Cohen made a series of recordings around London just before the Covid-19 lockdown in March, to capture the changing sounds of a city dealing with the coronavirus pandemic.  "In the final days before London was shut down in March 2020, I made sound recordings of areas that I care about as a Londoner. From documenting spots that I skated at as a teenager, through to areas I have worked in - ...
5m Mar 28, 2020
5m
Fenêtre sur cour
Paris lockdown sound recorded by Paul Collins.  ""Fenêtre sur cour," of course, is the French title of Hitchcock's Rear Window. This is a recording my courtyard on Thursday, March 26, 2020 at 19h58.  "We hear a neighbour who, like in Rear Window, is a professional songwriter,  playing his piano, searching for a song.  "We hear a perpetually bored child running around in circles, his exasperated...
2m Mar 27, 2020
2m
It could have been a 'normal' spring afternoon
Leigh on Sea lockdown sound recorded by Emma Paterson. "My one lockdown walk of the day with a beautiful view of the Estuary - and a little stop off to post a letter.  "It could have been a 'normal' spring afternoon - a spot of DIY in the garden (you'll hear the drill), a family out on their bikes, dog walkers strolling across Marine Parade.  "Leigh was looking it's best, tide up, blue sky and ...
3m Mar 27, 2020
3m
Schoolyard
Helsinki lockdown sound recorded by Petri Kuljuntausta. "The Schoolyard documents the changes in my neighborhood after Coronavirus arrived to Helsinki, Finland, in March 2020. The first part of the soundscape piece was recorded during playtime on a regular schoolday in March 2019.  "The latter part is recorded exactly one year later in 2020 on the same day, exactly at the same place and at the ...
2m Mar 27, 2020
2m
Clap for our NHS - Leigh on Sea
Leigh on Sea lockdown sound recorded by Emma Paterson. "This was my road in Leigh on Sea clapping to support our amazing NHS. It got a little rowdy towards the end with fireworks (which I'm not sure I captured) - but such a great turnout from the street and very emotional!" Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more...
1m Mar 27, 2020
1m
Snow playing electric guitar
Swedish lockdown sound recorded by Eva Q. Månsson. "Here in Sweden we are calm and doing our best to cope. I live in a church surrounded by forest. I recorded this sound 10 meters from my front door.  "My husband and I have been isolated here since March 4 2020 because we are both vulnerable to infections. Staying at home brings nature very close." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenti...
5m Mar 27, 2020
5m
#ClapForNHS, Willesden Green
London lockdown sound recorded by Daniel Higgott. "This audio was recorded at 8pm, Thursday 26th March 2020, as the whole of the UK was encouraged to give a round of applause to all the National Heath Service workers, who are helping to keep people alive who are suffering with Covid-19." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the wo...
3m Mar 27, 2020
3m
National applause for the NHS, Brighton
Brighton lockdown sound recorded by Peter Myson. "This is a recording of the national applause for NHS and other key workers during the Covid-19 lockdown in the UK." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global coronavirus lockdown around the world - for more information, see http://www.citiesandmemory.com/covid19-sounds
3m Mar 27, 2020
3m
Applause for the NHS
At 8pm on 26 March 2020, people all over the UK joined in a chorus of applause and cheers dedicated to the workers of the National Health Service during the coronavirus pandemic. It was a genuinely moving moment, bringing a sense of community among neighbours who see each other every day but who may not usually get the chance to speak to one another, and to feel part of something bigger - that ...
2m Mar 26, 2020
2m
Soundscape from my balcony, northern Italy
Italian lockdown sounds recorded by Stephono Zip. "I live in Italy, precisely in Northern Italy, which is the part of my country that has been most affected by the pandemic. "I manage a record store that I have been obliged to close, and nobody knows for how long. I pass my days listening to music, reading books and making music. My 2 cats sometimes participate. "What I miss the most is walking...
5m Mar 26, 2020
5m
Warsaw: Monday sounds like Sunday
Warsaw lockdown sounds recorded by Jacek Szczepanek. Recorded on 16 March 2020, the first day of the nationwide coronavirus quarantine in Poland. The signature sound of the Warsaw University's main campus is surrounded by a chorus of birds. Monday sounds more like a Sunday and the city sound resembles a much smaller town. Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global...
7m Mar 26, 2020
7m
Outside Wat Samroung Andet, Phnom Penh
Cambodian lockdown sounds recorded by Warren Daly. At a small park facing the entrance to a temple two ladies are out for an afternoon stroll, children cycle their bikes, and workers refurbish a roof.  Some folk have left the city for the provinces, others remain muted inside their houses, although many of those who venture out appear ambivalent. The serene atmosphere coupled with minimal restr...
2m Mar 26, 2020
2m
The thankyou bells of Feugères
France lockdown sounds recorded by Mike Tupling.  "Dusk, rural Normandie. Across France bells are being rung to thank all the medical personnel putting their own health on the line in the service of others. The bells that can be heard in the background above the dusk chorus are those of Église Saint-Pierre in Feugères." Part of the #StayHomeSounds project, documenting the sounds of the global c...
1m Mar 26, 2020
1m
545 studio
Rhode Island lockdown sounds recorded by Erik Gould.  "This is the sound in my studio space up the street from my house, in Pawtucket, RI USA.  "There's the drone-like sound of the 24/7 blower fan of the roof of the microfiber factory across the alley, occasional bangs from a truck getting loaded down below, and way underneath, voices of my neighbors in the downstairs studio.  "It's raining and...
4m Mar 26, 2020
4m
Hail subsiding/homemade greenhouse
Portland lockdown sounds recorded by Juniana. "As of the time of this recording, we have gotten to the point of a "shelter-in-place" executive order. Many people are working from home, some have been temporarily laid off. Restaurants are take-out only, grocery stores have restricted numbers of people - many of us are ordering groceries to be delivered.  "It is clear, walking through the neighbo...
1m Mar 26, 2020
1m
Shackleton dreaming
Louisiana lockdown sounds recorded by Trish. "My dog Shackleton talks in his sleep and this is a sample.  I'm quarantined under doctor's orders.  I have a cough but no other symptoms, but according to my doc it's safest for me and for my community this way. Plus, my state's governor has order us to shelter in place and I think that is sensible.  "I take immunosuppressant drugs for RA so I'd jus...
18s Mar 26, 2020
18s
The morning after rain on the periurban fringe
New South Wales lockdown sounds recorded by Kim Goldsmith.  "Located 10km from the centre of a major regional city in Central New South Wales, on the peri-urban fringe, I wake to the same birdsong and barking dogs as always.  "On this morning, a day after much-needed rain on the back of years of drought, the moisture drips from hard surfaces, keeping slow time.  "The COVID-19 pandemic swamps ou...
6m Mar 26, 2020
6m
Night terrors
London lockdown sounds recorded by Marg Laing.  "This recording was made after midnight on Day 1 of Lockdown in London.  |We have a lot of urban foxes in Hackney, and as it's spring, they tend to be more vocal. But in over 20 years of living in London I have never heard a sound like this. Persistent screams.  |People seem to be externally mourning the loss of conveniences while quietly fearing ...
1m Mar 26, 2020
1m