Hearing Design

As we have discussed in class, design is not simple to define. It can be seen as both a noun and a verb. It can be in the form of a book cover, a home, a water bottle, and much more. In some cases, it can even be sound. Sound design is a media field that does not get enough recognition. In films, sound is often viewed as secondary to the visual aspect. However, watching a film with poor sound (or no sound) can completely change the impact of the work. In today's age, sound design is also used in games, websites, television, and commercials. This creates numerous opportunities for sound designers to create sonic landscapes that accurately portrait an image, as well embellish the actions taking place on screen.

Diego Stocco is a sound designer and composer that takes both fields to new creative heights. Stocco builds his own instruments out of musical leftovers, as well as uses the natural environment as an instrument within its self. His unorthodox approach to creating compositions sets him apart by capturing sounds that may have never been heard before. Diego's website, as well as his vimeo page will give you an idea of the type of work he is creating.

Diego Stocco - Bassoforte from Diego Stocco on Vimeo.

Diego Stocco - Music From A Bonsai from Diego Stocco on Vimeo.

I had first heard/seen Stoccos work from watching an interview with him on a web-series known as “Motherboard”. I then re-stumbled across this work recently, which allowed me to see it in a new light. It made me think more about concepts of design, and how design can even be in sounds we hear. Sound can be similar to other design mediums in the sense that it is something asked for, and is needed to be realized and “Designed” by a sound designer. It needs convey a feeling that will hopefully produce a mental image, or appropriately match a physical image on a screen. Stucco Does this in a fascinating way that goes beyond mere sound effects, but creating new sounds that may have never been heard before.