The concept behind the Found Sound series is simple. Sound manipulated is new sound, but it is also, theoretically speaking, the same sound as well. This idea fascinated me to no end.
Technically, when a waveform is adjusted it is not the same waveform, but what about at a vibration-relationship level? What about sound source? Is this sample music or computer music?
Working within a program called Bidule, I focus on manipulation of the sound on my end, and the atmospheric result for the listener (myself included). These records are improvised and performed live “in the studio.” Basically, it means I can never recreate the music on any of the releases exactly although many of the “objects” I’ve saved so, I suppose I could do a similar version.
Each record is available for download on their respective pages. You can donate how much or how little you want depending on how much you value this type of music. The zip file comes with 256 kbs mp3s and printable album artwork for making your own hard copy.
These have been re-uploaded to archive.org permanently.
Found Sound I – Street Musicians
Mike Vasas
February, 2008
GRHL16
01. No Money
02. Fiddle
03. Folk Singer
04. Hymn
Street Musicians is the simplest example of the “FOUND SOUND” process. Each of the four pieces are
reprocessed from one of four audio samples. The titles hint at the original recording samples. Brian
Slagle recorded each of the four samples while recording and interviewing street musicians in Germany.
So, in case there is any confusion, each soundscape is designed from one individual sample processed
differently. For each new piece, there is a new sample.
https://archive.org/details/FS1StreetMusicians
Found Sound II – 60 Seconds of Guitar
Mike Vasas
February, 2008
GRHL17
01. Process One
02. Process Two
60 Seconds of Guitar is a record made up of two extended pieces all reconstituted from one 60 second
improvisation by guitarist Matthew Mepham.
https://archive.org/details/FS260SecondOfGuitar
Found Sound III – Hoboken Island
Mike Vasas
February, 2008
GRHL18
01. Hoboken Island
02. Entropy
Hoboken Island uses multiple reworked samples…some found sound, some recorded. Two extended
pieces perfect for relaxing/thinking/etc.
https://archive.org/details/FS3HobokenIsland
Found Sound IV – Medicine
Mike Vasas
February, 2008
GRHL19
01. Canadian Rockees
02. Medicine
03. Piccolo Sample
04. YWBHIYSLTY
05. Sunset Through Trees
06. Mustard
07. Hydrate Level 4 Please
08. Practice Theory Theory THEORY
09. Rainin’ And A-Rainin’
Medicine features work within Bidule and Cubase and it is safe to say that this is the most segmented
“album-like” of the Found Sound series so far. Lots of samples being reprocessed but overall a similar
vibe throughout.
https://archive.org/details/FS4Medicine
Found Sound V – Noodle
Mike Vasas
February, 2008
GRHL20
01. Ewow
02. Pedalboard
03. Draobladep
Noodle features guitar and effects reprocessed through Bidule. The first track is a sample of some guitar
improvisations by Brian Slagle during a Beasts of Burden rehearsal in 2007. The other tracks are
improvisations using my own board.