From Rob Rosenthal:
I think my favorite quote from Brian Harnetty on this episode of Sound School is when he told me his work as a sound ethnographer is “basically, curiosity that’s rooted in sound.” As he conducts his research, he says he pays attention to the “sonic qualities in photographs, in writings, and in archival material, but also in my interactions with people.” His ears are always on.
Unlike most ethnographers, Brian’s final work is not written. It’s composed. He melds together archive tape, interviews he’s conducted, ambient sound, and music, composing a piece that he then plays in a public setting where he gathers more tape for the next iteration of the piece. Specifically, I’m referring to Brian’s “Forest Listening Rooms” — events where Brian plays his compositions in the woods for small crowds.
Listen to the episode (along with bonus content/recordings) below, or wherever you get your podcasts.