The New Spaces of Sonic Art

Abstract

The current collaborative processes, tools and motivations of new media technologies are being put at risk by rapid iterations in technological development. Specialized forms of making that once required advanced knowledge of computing are now being condensed into commercial software with easy-to-use interfaces that seemingly allow any person with a personal computer to engage in making. Examples from the field include desktop publishing as well as photo retouching. As it concerns using the computer to make art, these changes are especially prevalent in the field of audio. This original thesis project seeks to increase what is known about acts of working with the software in regards to the sonic (sound and/or audio; music), or to create music and sounds on a computer through interfaces. The observation that prompted this research was being exposed to and investigating a the ways that sound designers and musicians in the Netherlands are using technology to make what they classify as “art” – hence, the use of the term sonic artist. What the argument of this research seeks to certify is that the emerging new spaces within which to use technology are changing the ways sonic artists are interpreting their craft.