Ear Maps, Thrasher Magazine, and Avery Singer [5/9 2025]
Recommendations from Me
Most cities in the world used to be loud and chaotic. Many still are, but generally the character of the sound has changed.
This change has been starkest in high and middle income countries, where sprawling informal markets have given way to large grocery stores, and city residents have moved upwards into tall towers far from street level. Our most highly developed cities are left poor with the sound of tyres on asphalt, distant sirens, and the increasingly lonely wind.
In this newsletter I want to highlight the work of artists and academics helping to document and reimagine much loved city soundscapes of the past and present.
Odila Schröder wrote a wonderful article titled Noise, Nostalgia, and the Sound of Beijing’s Peddlers. I especially enjoyed Samuel Victor Constant’s 59 illustrations of archetypal Beijing noise-makers, and the recording from the People’s Art Theatre.
I have a tender love for Mexico City and its rich soundscape. I recommend exploring the gorgeous website The Sounds of CDMX.
I am grateful for the Ear Maps which have been created by residents of Nairobi. If anyone would like to create similar maps for London (or your local city) please do let me know!
The website Cities and Memory features thousands of recordings of city sounds from across the world — really a very special resource!
Recommendations from Others
Michel 2023
‘Ski/skate videos: i) Now Skiman by The Bunch — this ski group collective has made me feel ways no one else has; ii) Thrasher Magazine videos — skateboarding is so raw, iii) William Strobeck or GX1000 videos — also skateboarding of the well-filmed type.’
Hunter 2023
‘The SketchUp paintings of Avery Singer’
Rose 2022
‘Take the long way to get between cities — a 10 hour coach is tiring, but you see much more, and you’ll be grateful later!’
Shaurya 2024
‘Absolute favourite dish: Spinach Palak Tofu with a cashew base and white rice. ’
Madhuri 2024
‘Kano — my favourite grime artist, excellent attention to detail and heartwarming storytelling'
Cover photo - Lomé, Togo
