A website that compiles found sounds from cities all over the world has now added Dundee to its catalogue.
Soundcities is a ‘soundmap’ where users can listen to and find the precise origin of a particular noise, from a bustling crowd at the Overgate to distant chatter in McManus Galleries via giggling girls on the Nethergate.
Originally conceived in 1995, it is the first online database of city sounds and sound maps from around the world, using found sounds and field recordings. The website now contains thousands of clips, covering Shanghai to Stavanger.
It was was conceived and created by a London artist known as Stanza.
“I have spent the last 20 years travelling to over 20 worldwide cities,” he said. “During this time I have collected and recorded the sounds from these cities. This is the result.”
“As globalisation fractures the identity of the city experience we start to find things that appear the same the world over. Soundcities involves field recording the sounds we hear as we walk out of the door.”
Members of the public are encouraged to submit audio clips of their own and “regional sound recordists” are being sought to “get your city fully on the map.”
He added: “The database is open so anyone can upload sounds they collect from world cities, thereby making a contribution to the project.”
Click here to interact with the map and let Stanza know what he’s missed by sending on your own clips.
