SOUNDS FROM CUZCO CITY - PART I

by SOUND SEEDS

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Pdf journal is available and pic with the soundwalk trajectory from google maps.

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1.	a. Binaural Soundwalk - From Tandapata Street to the first stop: San Blas Plaza view from the top of stairs. 05:32	info	buy track
2.	b. Binaural soundwalk in Cuzco - San Blas Plaza from bottom of stairs, next to infinity pool. 04:35	info	buy track
3.	c. Binaural soundwalk in Cuzco - Walking around San Blas Plaza with 2nd. stop outside San Blas Temple. 04:50	info	buy track
4.	d. Binaural soundwalk in Cuzco - From San Blas Temple down Cuesta de San Blas with 3rd. stop at Twelve-angled stone. 07:08	info	buy track
5.	e. Binaural soundwalk in Cuzco - From Twelve-angled stone to 4th. stop exterior of Cuzco City's Cathedral. 03:52	info	buy track
6.	f. Binaural soundwalk in Cuzco - Outside Cuzco City's Cathedral, final stop. 06:46	info	buy track
7.	School children playing at recess in San Blas neighbourhood - binaural recording 06:26	info	buy track

about

In March, I went to Cuzco City for a weekend and did some binaural recordings and a soundwalk. When I first started studying sound, ‘invisible’ was a word that came up a lot. For the soundwalk recording I did my best to wonder without being noticed so I could capture the soundscape with the least amount of interaction with the people surrounding me. If you’ve been to Cuzco and walked the streets close to the historic centre, you know how hard this can be: there’s always someone who will approach you to sell anything from paintings to a massage. This time, though, only one guy came up to me, but I was able to signal that I wasn’t interested and he got the cue and walked away. I also avoided eye contact at all times.
To me, these recordings are sonic memories and an intentional way of using my ears to truly listen to the environment. Soundwalking in Cuzco made me realize how noisy this city is getting. Every time I go back, I see and hear more cars, more motorcycles and a pressing need to redirect traffic. Whistles and car honks bounce off the walls of Cuzco City’s Cathedral and in the mornings, distant airplanes blend with the sound of the wind. Although the soundscape of a growing city is a positive sign for most people who live from tourism, it’s still important to listen and be aware of the noise pollution problem that’s arising and robbing the city from the provincial peacefulness that once was a big part of its beauty. I’ll take some time on my next visit to do another soundwalk with friends who have been living there for some time now. I feel very close to this place and hope it’s natural and cultural sound environments - including silence - can be preserved for generations to hear.

credits

released March 31, 2019

Recorded and curated by Millie Wissar.

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about

SOUND SEEDS Vancouver, British Columbia

Hi I'm Millie. I'm a sound designer, artist and field recordist. This audio blog is part of an ongoing series through which I practice listening and use sound as tool for creating memories. I welcome the opportunity to collaborate with artists, researchers, educators, filmmakers, noisemakers and everyone interested. ... more