The Days and Nights in Sham Shui Po
Introduction:
As an old district in Hong Kong, Sham Shui Po is not only a space or area for living but also a community with shared experiences and memories. Therefore, we conduct field recordings in spots crowded with human activities. Through the sound walk, we delved into the two modes of listening, causal listening and semantic listening, to attentively capture the hustle and bustle of the district (Westerkamp, 2001). This approach allowed us to compose a comprehensive soundscape that can be reminiscent of the community.
Idea:
Inspired by the work of Mr. Watson about his home city, we aim to capture the diverse social activities that shape the community’s life throughout the day and night. This project will allow the audience to experience a day in Sham Shui Po through sound, emphasizing the variation of the frequency of location sound and the atmosphere of the community. Time becomes recognizable through significant social activities.
Sonic journalism:
This project reflects the current situation of the Sham Shui Po community as an auditory narrative approach. The elderly queue to get the supplies from the community center. Flea markets and outlets are located on different streets, with high-pitch peddling. The social issues, the aging population and poverty, may be highlighted. However, it implies the community’s support to the elderly. Flea markets attract tourists and become hallmarks in Sham Shui Po. This project provides the audience insight into the vibrancy of a grassroots community, educating the listener to “observe” the community from an alternative perspective (Sound from Dangerous Places, n.d.).
Equipments:
Zoom H3-VR was used for mostly ambience background sound and Zoom H4N + stereo shotgun microphone was used for recording directional dialogues and ambience sound.
Audio Path:
Day: Ki Lung Street —>Maple Street Playground—>Shamshuipo Kaifong Welfare Association—>Pei Ho Street—> T.momo Outlet
Night: Apliu Street—>Maple Street Playground—>Dai Pai Dong—>
Pei Ho Street Wet Market—> Apliu Street
Sound Categorization & Mode of Listening:
1. Causal Listening: The sound source is recognizable (Chion, 1994).
a. Human-made: Sounds created by human activities or incidents establish a sense of place.
➔ Exercising music, playground kids running
➔ Water drops from air-conditioner
2. Semantic Listening: the idea is interpreted through languages (Chion, 1994)
a. Dialogues: Conversations between people that emotions and interactions may provoke.
➔ Hawker convincing customers.
➔ The match of shuttlecock kicking at the park
Reference:
1. Sound from Dangerous Places. (n.d.). Sonic Journalism. https://sounds-from-dangerous-places.org/sonic-journalism
2. Westerkamp, H..(2001). Soundwalking. https://hildegardwesterkamp.ca/writings/writings-by/?post_id=13&title=soundwalking
3. Chion, M. (1994). Audio-Vision: Sound on Screen.
4. Watson, C.(2013). Inside the Circle of Fire: A Sheffield Sound Map. [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfoEDTn_fQ
5. Chen, J. (2020, February 19). Neighbourhood Guide: Sham Shui Po is Hong Kong’s Most Quintessential Neighbourhood. Zolima City Magazine. https://zolimacitymag.com/neighbourhood-guide-sham-shui-po-is-hong-kongs-most-quintessential-neighbourhood/
6. Tales of sham shui po. Urban Diary. (n.d.). https://www.urbandiarist.com/en/video/Tales-of-Sham-Shui-Po