{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","title":"Sink, surface","description":"\"At this segment of the Lech, the river has left its Alpine origins – its wild and icy rapids are just a memory. Data suggest that the Lech is “heavily modified” by human intervention (i.e., channelization, hydroelectric stations). However, at this point in its journey to the Danube, the river Lech (described as “widely lacking natural geomorphic dynamics”) does not merit restoration plans. Here, it seems to be considered nothing special or remarkable. Yet I was drawn to the “humming of the power station” in the field recording. This hypnotic sound highlights the nearby human activities that draw power from the Lech’s steady flow.\n\n\"The Wasserkraftwerk’s low drone beneath the lively rush of water awakened my examination of the relationship between nature and technology. In creating “Sink, Surface,” I imagined timeless naiadic spirits becoming entranced by the incursion of human technomagic. Their chaotic, playful noises settle into harmonic relation with the device’s drone.\n\n\"When I first heard that drone, I assumed 50Hz would be most prominent. However, listening deeply and vocalizing along with the rich hum, I found amplitude peaks: at (roughly) 138 Hz, 207 Hz and 350 Hz – very easily translated into a D♭major triad. I decided to filter sweep the white noise of the river itself to alternately remove and enhance the harmonic aspects of the machines. I then vocalized in various styles and timbres for use as compositional materials. I also played with the asymmetrical stereo of the original recording, first filling in the full stereo field, then at the end swapping the louder left channel to the right – a mirror image that reflects one’s change upon emerging from the depths.\n\n\"How do how human endeavours both rely and impinge upon our ecological contexts? As an imaginary (re)mystification of the River Lech, “Sink, Surface” seeks to dissolve the false divide between the natural world and the human. It invites listeners into the liminal space of the Lech – where the power station emerges a vibrant, animating presence and the river’s sounding spirits call us to experience our own embodied inner flows.\"\n\nSection of the river Lech reimagined by Gretchen Jude.\n\n-------\nFlow is a creative exploration telling the story of a river through the power of sound. The project is a collaboration between the University of Padova and the University of Würzburg, with support from Cities and Memory. Explore the full project at https://citiesandmemory.com/flow.","author_name":"Cities and Memory - remixing the world","author_url":"https://audioboom.com/channels/2138625-cities-and-memory-remixing-the-world","provider_name":"Audioboom","provider_url":"https://audioboom.com","width":480,"height":95,"thumbnail_url":"https://audioboom.com/i/43627039/600x600/c","thumbnail_width":600,"thumbnail_height":600,"html":""}