Drift 1 Response

Another Q & A, only found here, on my blog. Contain your excitement!

1. Describe two situations that aggravated, bothered, shocked or otherwise stressed you during Drift 1.

During my drifts, I got a slew of absolutely strange looks as I wandered the city with my microphones. Sure, it's slightly strange to see someone with microphones dangling around their neck, but do you really need to try and ask me what I'm doing while I'm in the middle of recording something? I suppose the (lack of) kindness of strangers was a slight issue.

That was really my only real grievance (not including technology, more one THAT later). I suppose I wish that my walk would have been slightly more eventful. It's sort of frustrating to get all geared up for a soundwalk, get out there, and get only seven sounds you can use, two of which are almost unlistenable due to distracting factors.

2. Describe, with details, two situations during Drift 1 in which you felt unusually peaceful, at ease, or contemplative.

Milwaukee Bay, hands down, was the best part of the entire experience. I happened upon it by total and random chance. I could have stayed there for ages. The sound of the water brushing up against the rocks really helped put my mind at ease.

Also, my first sound recording (Appetite for Construction) was a lot of fun to do. It turned out extremely well, and that was the first time while recording that I felt that I really had some potential as a sound artist.

3. Describe three surprises or unexpected situations you encountered on your Drift and in the days that followed. The surprise could stem from your expectations that conflicted with "on the ground" realities, cultural or social issues of which you were previously unaware, feelings and reactions that you did not expect to have, appearances and soundings of things you did not expect, good or bad outcomes of "on the spot" decisions you had to make, or the discovery of "deeper" realities in the materials you brought home. (Again, skip anything technology-related!)

The biggest surprise was the first sound recording that I mentioned above. Just being able to think, "Hey, this isn't bad" was a huge relief/surprise to me.

Another surprise I had, ironically, was how terrible some of my sounds turned out. I had everything all figured out in my head, and then when I finally got everything home, I listened in horror. This COULDN'T have been what I recorded. Someone HAD to have pulled a fast one on me. But alas, I was in denial. Some of those sounds were just terrible.

And finally, my last surprise that I really loved was the other part of the question above (sorry for doing that, but it really was the best surprise). Milwaukee Bay is a place where I can see myself going on a regular basis at this point.

4. Describe your favorite experience, situation, place, or recollection from your Drift. Be specific about what happened, how you felt, how you reacted, and why you think this particular experience affected you so much.

Okay, this time I promise not to use Milwaukee Bay as my answer.

I really enjoyed recording on the bridge (Wisconsin Ave., "The Bridge on the River Milwaukee"). I cross the bridge all the time, and I think it's absolutely beautiful. To be able to appreciate on a sonic level was a new and wonderful joy.