Moving Toward Land-Based Sound Archiving and Composition: Reflecting on Field Research From the Project Sonic Coordinates: Decolonizing Through Land-Based Composition

Abstract

This paper examines the intersection of environmental sound recording, sound collection, and archiving by drawing on Land-based approaches, Indigenous epistemologies, and methodologies. In particular, this paper considers some of the implications for immersive sound-based fieldwork informed by site-specific listening methods, embodied learning and forms of reflexivity that are rooted in Indigenous concepts of relationality (kinship). Specifically, this paper revolves around an initial field research trip from our project Sonic Coordinates: Decolonizing through Land-based music composition (supported by the New Frontiers Research Fund) which took place in the region of Timiskaming (Northern Ontario, Canada) during the fall of 2019. Consequently, our paper examines what was learned through this process, and how critical listening and recording/collection of environmental sounds can be used to inform Indigenous sound/music composition and aural forms of storying. This paper ultimately explores the ephemeral concepts of sound materiality and how aural archiving and documentation (through digitizing and digital platforms) is used to preserve and engage historical memory, cultural knowledge and shifts toward the development of sonic art and communication that is informed by site-specific research practice.