Splatoon

-Inspired by Murray Schafers's concepts from "The Tuning of the World", Splatoon is an exploration of soundscapes through the medium of electronic music. This piece incorporates synthesised textures and sonic environments to reflect the interplay of keynote, soundmark, lo-fi, and hi-fi elements within a constructed auditory landscape. The title nods to the vibrant, chaotic, and layered aesthetics of the video game Splatoon, while the musical ideas dive into more abstract realms.

Musical Structure

The piece begins with a low, continuous drone generated by a modular synthesizer. This keynote sound provides an aural foundation, anchoring the listener amidst the unfolding sonic layers. The keynote shifts subtly over time, evolving in pitch and texture to reflect environmental changes. Distinct synthesised motifs serve as soundmarks—auditory symbols that stand out in the texture.

Lo-fi elements emerge through the use of bit-crushing, tape saturation, and field recordings of urban noise. These gritty textures contrast with the purity of the hi-fi elements, creating a dynamic dialogue between clarity and distortion. The lo-fi sections are rhythmically fragmented, resembling a bustling yet decayed urban environment. Hi-fi moments in the piece feature pristine, high-frequency pads and clean, resonant tones generated by wavetable synthesis. These sections evoke open, natural spaces, such as a vast ocean or a quiet meadow, where individual sounds can resonate fully and clearly. The juxtaposition against the lo-fi segments enhances their sonic impact.

As the piece progresses, the distinction between lo-fi and hi-fi blurs. The textures interweave, creating hybrid soundscapes that challenge the listener’s perception of fidelity. Rhythmic pulsations and timbral shifts drive the piece toward a climactic convergence of both elements. The conclusion revisits the keynote sound, now layered with remnants of the soundmarks and a softened lo-fi texture. The fade-out suggests the continuation of the soundscape beyond the piece, leaving the listener in reflection.

Length: 4’35’’ composed year: 2024