4'33 Artist Statement

For this project, I sought out to make an interesting composition with smooth transitions, moving instrumentation, and effective sound editing. I wanted the piece to contain several different segments but ultimately be connected through bridges between segments.

To start the piece, I used a car start sound with switching radio stations. I used the static in-between stations to add other sounds, like the announcer of a football game and other dialogue. I then replicated the start up beep noise with a keyboard to transition into the next segment. I added a knocking noise with increasing volume over the sound of walking, heavy breathing and crickets to create an ominous feel. I then used an ominous smashing noise to create more unsettling feelings. I used the knocking once more to transition into a bong rip followed by coughing of increasing magnitude. I again added the ominous smashing and car start up beeping to move the song along. At this point, I added a piano bridge to transition into the next segment. The next segment was a conversation and added comic relief to the otherwise ominous piece. Next, I played with panning by editing noises of airplanes, wind, conversation, and typing. After that I added an ethereal piano to transition the song into the final segment, which was a repetition of the football announcer from the beginning. I faded out the track to end it.

For me, this piece was an interesting exploration of sounds and their relation to each other. I enjoyed playing with juxtaposition and learning about Garage Band through this work. I evoked contrasting emotions within this piece by utilizing instrumentation combined with the interesting sounds uploaded by the class.