Space Race

While listening to this broadcast by Apollo 8 of the first views of the moon in 1968, I was thematically conflicted with a duality of perspectives tied to space exploration. On one hand, this venture offers new opportunities for human expansion and knowledge we have yet to discover about our universe; yet, it also signifies processes of colonization that transcend earth's atmosphere to a cosmic level. 

I envisioned the perspectives of colonization as they may emerge between both the explorer and inhabitant as two separate sound worlds. I move between these worlds as I integrate field recordings that I have captured across Vancouver, BC, oscillating back to the sample recording at times to balance these voices. As the composition progresses, I aim to emulate themes of confusion, disorientation, and eventually destruction that accompanies colonization. I have used this recording in numerous ways, such as adjusting the pitch, adding reverb, frequency manipulation, and altering timing. While there are clear audible sections of this piece interwoven, I have also manipulated large sections to create a keynote drone that slowly builds throughout the piece to gradually reduce clarity.

I hope this sound art inspires you to consider the intersections of hope and loss tied to space exploration - positioning the listener as a mirror to the past and future.