Surrounded by Sound is a collection of audio recordings taken at Gyllingvase (Gylly) & Grebe beaches in Falmouth, Cornwall in early 2019.

Originally recorded as part of the research for a live touring performance work by dancer & choreographer Emily Alden exploring ordinary, everyday sound through her experience of hearing loss called In My Head, they now also hold special value as a record of life in these locations pre-pandemic.

They are a unique type of audio recording - binaural recordings - which gives the listener an immersive audio experience & feeling of physical space around them. This is possible because of the specific way the sound is recorded, using two small microphones that sit in the ears & replicate & capture sound in a similar way that we would hear.

The listener can then hear the waves lapping the sand directly to the right of them, birds squawking up above their heads, a dancer moving on pebbles in front of them. They are effectively transported somewhere else & only need a pair of headphones to listen & enjoy.

Feel free to send this page to friends & family living in Cornwall & far afield. They are intended to be something fun to do & share in with others, a way to rekindle memories & enjoy the beaches & be a way to escape through sound to Cornwall.

Part of Creativity & Wellbeing Week 2020

Binaural Sound Recorded & Edited by Ciaran Clarke.
This project is the first in a series of Audio Moves analogue & digital projects.

Surrounded By Sound is supported by Feast, Arts Council England & Cornwall Council through the Re-Ignition Fund.

All photography taken at Gylly Beach by Emily Alden

How Do I Hear The Recordings?

Using your phone, iPad or laptop connect your headphones or listening devises, scroll down & play the recording you’d like to hear.
For the full immersive effect use over-ear headphones, close your eyes or listen in the dark.


How do I share them with friends & family?

Just share this page to anyone you think would enjoy the recordings.


How do I stay in touch to find out about other Audio Moves projects & share my experience of Surrounded By Sound?

Find Emily on Facebook, Instagram & Twitter via the links below.

#audiomovesprojects

" My plan right now? To put this on and do some yoga to unwind after a long but productive day. As someone with hearing loss (I have to wear hearing aids) I love the inspiration behind this series of recordings." - Twitter comment

"Thank you thank you thank you. This makes me well up - but is glorious, too." - Twitter comment

"It's absolutely the tonic. I have it bookmarked now until …. " - Twitter comment