We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

SR01​-​22

by Cory O'Brien

supported by
Rio
Rio thumbnail
Brad Rose
Brad Rose thumbnail
shredderghost
shredderghost thumbnail
Field Studies
Field Studies thumbnail
Phil Julian
Phil Julian thumbnail
/

  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $7 USD  or more

     

1.
SR01 18:06 video
2.
SR02 04:17
3.
SR03 07:36

about

Based on hydrophone recordings captured on the Hudson River and Rhode Island coastline, summer 2022.

Composition and production in NYC, fall 2022.

Hydrophones, snare drum, Serge modular, Nagra, acoustic resonators.

Mastering by Giuseppe Ielasi

///////

The working title for this release was originally ‘Sparse Rainforest’, which popped into my head when first listening back to the raw hydrophone recordings.

At the time I drew parallels between the clicks and humming of the underwater landscape, and the aesthetic qualities of David Tudor’s ‘Rainforest IV’. While it's true that some aspects of the sound sources are similar, I've realized in hindsight that it’s the concept of mechanical ecologies that is unintentionally mirrored by the recordings.

Surprisingly, there is wildlife in the Hudson, in the form of mollusks and various other creatures. From the recordings alone it is nearly impossible to tell whether an aspect of the soundscape comes from animal life, or the natural process of air escaping from 100 year old docks. The constant boat traffic and general thrum of Manhattan can also be heard for miles at certain depths. The acoustic qualities of sound traveling through water further obscures and intermingles the sources.

While composing I intentionally embraced this dynamic. The Serge synthesizer not only processes the hydrophones, but also produces tones which blend and create textural compliments. A ride cymbal might be vibrated in a way that emulates industrial humming. Percussion recordings made in the traditional manner are re-recorded using hydrophones and vibration speakers. Parts which took hours to construct are mixed so that they appear at the edges of perception.

In this way, SR01-22 can be seen as both documentation of the subaqueous soundscape, as well as documentation of this artist’s active listening practice. The final product takes on these qualities, supporting both active and passive listening in a variety of environments.

credits

released February 2, 2023

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Cory O'Brien image

Cory O'Brien New York, New York

Based in NYC and active since 2003 in various solo and duo projects, Cory O’Brien creates abstract drone, noise, and electroacoustic works. Focusing on field recordings, percussion, and feedback synthesis, he explores the nature of “internal sounds” and resonant sustained sound fields. ... more

contact / help

Contact Cory O'Brien

Streaming and
Download help

Redeem code

Report this album or account

If you like Cory O'Brien, you may also like:

Bandcamp Daily  your guide to the world of Bandcamp

On Bandcamp Radio

Beans joins the show to discuss his album release, "ZWAARD".

listen now