Visualising Sound

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Brief

To visualise sound

Concept

After exploring the experimental techniques of DJ Shadow and the way he makes music through reconstructing songs, I decided to reconstruct the sound that he has created.

Solution

Using an open source experiment by Amanda Ghassaei and a series of computer programmes; audacity, processing and python, I was able to convert WAV files into vector images that would be recognisable for a laser cutter to read and cut onto different materials in an LP format. My final outcomes explored his sound printed on MDF, Acrylic and Plywood and play a reconstructed sound of
DJ Shadow’s - ‘Building Steam With A Grain of Salt’.

I started by creating vector forms of the sound using audacity, processing and python which are suitable for a laser cutter to read.

Visualising Sound Record Book

Using the LP format, an accompanying book was created to explain the projects process and inspiration, using the laser cut technique to continue the process. Working with a hand bound book combining different materials to reflect the idea of reconstructing.