This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

fact-checked

trusted source

proofread

How songs of the oceans raise environmental awareness

Songs of the oceans raise environmental awareness #ASA184
Malloy with the oil drum used for his musical performances. Credit: Colin Malloy

For many people, there are few sounds as relaxing as ocean waves. But the sound of the seas can also convey deeper emotions and raise awareness about pollution.

At the upcoming 184th Meeting of the Acoustical Society of America, Colin Malloy of Ocean Network Canada will present his method to transform ocean data into captivating, solo percussion songs. The talk, "Sonification of ocean data in art-science," took place Wednesday, May 10.

To construct his compositions, Malloy employs sound from underwater microphones, called hydrophones, and introduces elements inspired by ocean-related data such as temperature, acidity, and oxygenation. Listeners can find performances of Malloy's music on YouTube.

In his piece Oil & Water, Malloy represents the impact of oil production on the oceans. He plays an eerily catchy melody on steel drums and inserts noise to represent oil production over the past 120 years. The interjections increase throughout the piece to mimic the increased production in recent years. Near the end of the song, he uses oil consumption data as the oscillator of a synthesizer.

Oil & Water // solo for steelpan, percussion, and electronics. Credit: Colin Malloy

By representing data in this way, he hopes his music encourages listeners to reflect on the meaning and the medium.

"Art helps people digest information on an that typical science communication may not," Malloy said. "I hope that in listening to these pieces, people use them as a space to reflect on what each piece is trying to portray. Ultimately, I'd like for them to help create awareness of the various issues surrounding the oceans."

The aptly named field ArtScience encourages scientists and artists to learn from each other about communication, connection, and science. Ocean Network Canada's artist-in-residence program recruits artists to work with scientists, engage with research, and connect to a larger cultural audience.

Malloy, who has an in mathematics, computer science, and music, believes working in the balance of science and art provides him with a unique perspective.

"There is a lot of art in science and a lot of science to art—more than most people realize for either direction," said Malloy.

More information: Main meeting website: https://acousticalsociety.org/asa-meetings/

Technical program: https://eppro02.ativ.me/web/planner.php?id=ASASPRING23&proof=true

Citation: How songs of the oceans raise environmental awareness (2023, May 10) retrieved 7 March 2024 from https://phys.org/news/2023-05-songs-oceans-environmental-awareness.html
This document is subject to copyright. Apart from any fair dealing for the purpose of private study or research, no part may be reproduced without the written permission. The content is provided for information purposes only.

Explore further

Beyond necessity, hearing aids bring enjoyment through music

5 shares

Feedback to editors