This project was submitted as part of my masters thesis for the Master of Arts in Media Studies, School of Media Studies at The New School in Spring 2021.
The sound map is currently under construction due to a revamp! It will be live soon.
Abstract
Known in the 1970s as the national symbol of urban decay, the Bronx is a vibrant yet complicated borough where creativity and lively culture are still too often masked by a never-ending struggle and hustle. Its stereotypes stemming from the infamous phrase, the Bronx is burning, still too easily belies the pride, strength and character of its residents. Despite constant barriers affecting this community including a global pandemic, Bronx residents prove to be resilient. This sound map turns an ear to the Bronx, listening through its complications and revealing the aura of this special place.
Background
Audio cartography is the art of designing maps that contain soundscapes of locations within the area the map encompasses. Each map is different in form. Some are in written-only format, expressing the sounds through images. Some take the form of sound walks, or audio pieces that are made with the intention of the audience listening to the designed soundscape while walking through the intended location. Others are digital interactive maps that contain sounds upon clicking a map marker.
While there are several digital based sound maps currently available for virtual listening and viewing, there isn’t one catered to the Bronx. The World Sounds Sound Map contains over 270 sound compositions. Despite its name, the map isn’t staged on a global level as the compositions are primarily based in Southern Europe. Tim Waterfield created a sound map technology that is accessible on the Cities and Memory website. The map contains global field recordings and compositions. Each sound piece comes from varying individuals around the world. Yet, there is only one field recording based in the Bronx: the I-95 on Throgs Neck. This composition isn’t exactly the best representation of the borough. Despite its ever evolving and speedy gentrification, the Bronx is an area that is very much overlooked when it comes to analytical/observatory data of its culture.
Brian Foo created an interesting data sonification map entitled, Two Trains – Sonification of Income Inequality on the NYC Subway. This work of art follows the 2-train from the first stop in Brooklyn all the way to the last stop in the Bronx. As the train gets to the Bronx the tune shifts dramatically, proving the extreme disparity of income in the borough. The piece is incredibly drawing and telling of the Bronx. But it is entirely one-sided as it only covers a portion of the borough’s East side. Although the content of income inequality can be said of major areas, this piece is not representative of the borough as a whole.
Bronxounds is the only digital audio cartograph encompassing the acoustic ecology of The Bronx made by a Bronx native and featuring an array of Bronx voices and sounds. It is the sonic epitome of the borough.