Friday, March 27, 2015 Audio Portrait

https://soundcloud.com/lucy-siyu-liu/audio-portrait-media-160

Synopsis of project 2: what is the audio portrait about?

Analysis of project 2:

• topic
• style
• organization of the story
• sound recording / experiment with sound elements
• use of transitions and effects
• room for improvement
• what would you change / improve?
• if nothing, why?

My topic is an audio portrait with Allison Castillo. When I interviewed her, she had a story to share with me about a concert she attended. I could tell she really had a great time because she was passionate when she spoke about it. I decided to record that whole description of the concert. She also mentioned how she met some great friends at that concert but I left it out to focus on one theme which is the ambiance and the crowd. She also introduced how she was not going to go at first until her friend convinced her. But I also cut that part off too.

The sound effects I used were the crowd cheering and guitar playing. I only used two effects for this project. I decided to incorporate them where she was talking about the performance then the crowds being rowdy. I didn't use too many transitions. I left several room tunes between places where I cut.

There is definitely room for improvement for this audio portrait. I think I could've added background music and more sound effects. I think the interview went really well with Allison. I really liked how she told the story. I felt like I could've pictured it in my head when she was talking.

During the sound recording, I controlled the sound levels because Allison has a projected voice and she speaks louder when she's really excited. Some parts were interrupted and I had to cut it out. Overall it was a great experience with an audio portrait. It's really amazing how it could tell stories without the image. 

Sunday, March 15, 2015 Blog #2 What I hear

Forest Hills Gardens

As I walk into the secluded and serene neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon, I can easily distinguish the sounds. The sounds are separated into two worlds and completely opposite of each other. One side sets behind the Long Island Rail Road station and one side in front of it. As I take my stroll into the neighborhood, I hear a train past by behind me. The speed of LIRR trains on the smooth tracks produce a lighter and more appealing sound than the sound of MTA subway. The train stops for half a minute at the station then runs again on a timely schedule. I hear a lousy horn sound suddenly as it begins to exit the station. That sure broke the serenity. As I take more steps into the neighborhood, the keynotes appear as the sound of wind blowing.

The sound signals appear as I step on melted puddles on the sidewalks. My boots already make clacking sounds as I land each step and hit the concrete. They landed on water and created a splashing sound. Several cars drove by smoothly. Not many residents drive around so there's close to no traffic. A lady with her baby terrier walk toward me and the dog barked a few times. Then more residents also brought their pets out. I made a few turns now and stopped by a church. I figured since it was late afternoon that I don't hear sounds from inside.

I hear several doors creak. Mind that the houses somewhat all look like medieval mansions here. Even the doors to their outdoor gardens are fascinating. A few residents came out to take strolls or going outside to run some errands. Their footsteps were quiet. I left the neighborhood and Austin Street is in front of me. Then all the sounds of cars in traffic, busy restaurants preparing for dinner, people chatting on the street appeared.