Drift 1 - Traversing Milwaukee as a Train in 1883

Drift 1

2009-05-07T13:34:00.000-07:00

Drift 1 - Traversing Milwaukee as a Train in 1883 in now complete. The idea of the derive or drift is something that I have just recently become aware of but I am beginning to understand the potential that exists for deeper exploration of surroundings, oneself and society through this type of an endeavor. If you like what you see and hear, please check out Drift 2.

Recording 5

2009-03-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

03/04/2009 5:15 PM
- Recorded using Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700 with a Stereo Mic
- Edited using Audacity 1.2.5
- Mics positioned approximately 2 feet apart, clipped to a shrubs next to pond

My final recording was conducted in a grove alongside Veterans Park Pond. There is a nice balance of natural and mechanical sounds present in this recording. The most prominent sounds are the bird songs and the metal bat (about half way through) but there is also a subtle drone of vehicles passing by on Lincoln Memorial Drive.

Listen To Recording 5

Recording 4

2009-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

03/04/2009 4:45 PM
- Recorded using Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700 with a Stereo Mic
- Edited using Audacity 1.2.5
- Mics positioned approximately 2 feet apart, clipped to my backpack, seated on top of musical bench.

This recording was conducted in front of Discovery World and features sounds from the public art installations on display there. There were other visitors present which can also be heard on the recording. I feel that the dialogue adds a level of depth and playfulness to the recording. If I had to do this one over again I would reconsider placing my backpack (where the mics were clipped) on the musical bench. I wish that the musical notes being played did not overpower the other sounds as much as they do, but overall I am happy with the variety of sounds present and the flow of this recording.

Listen To Recording 4

Recording 3

2009-03-22T12:59:00.000-07:00

03/04/2009 4:00 PM
- Recorded using Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700 with a Stereo Mic
- Edited using Audacity 1.2.5
- Mics positioned approximately 1 foot apart underneath railroad bridge

This location is significant in that this is where my train would have crossed the river in 1882. I had to climb down a small ladder to a platform where I set up my mics. I positioned them under the tracks hoping to capture some interesting reverberations. In addition to reverberations from vehicles driving on Water Street, I also managed to capture seagulls cawing and what sounds to me like frogs or other creatures living in the shallow water beneath the bridge.

Listen To Recording 3

Recording 2

2009-03-22T12:57:00.000-07:00

03/04/2009 3:15 PM
- Recorded using Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700 with a Stereo Mic
- Edited using Audacity 1.2.5
- Mics positioned approximately 3 feet apart, clipped to chain link fence

This recording was done next to a power station which was emitting a deep, electrical drone. There were also some utility workers about a half block away using various tools. Although the drone is the most prominent noise heard in this recording, you can also detect some vehicles passing by as well as the worker's tools.

Listen To Recording 2

Recording 1

2009-03-22T12:53:00.000-07:00

03/04/2009 2:30 PM
- Recorded using Sony MD Walkman MZ-NH700 with a Stereo Mic
- Edited using Audacity 1.2.5
- Mics positioned approximately 3 feet apart, clipped to a shrub near tracks

This was an ideal starting point for Drift1. I was unaware that in this location now resides a scrapyard. Also I was unaware that the tracks of my 126 year old train route still existed! I was able to capture sounds of heavy machinery tearing through scrap metal and debris. After recording I was questioned by a police officer about what I was doing. They informed me that I was on private property and that I needed to move along.

Listen To Recording 1

Drift1 Strategy

2009-03-22T11:02:00.000-07:00

I am utilizing a 126 year old map of Milwaukee for Drift1. I will follow a now non-existent railroad line starting in Walker's Point and follow it toward the lakefront. My walk will continue along the lakefront until Lafayette Hill where I will venture northwest across North Avenue, ultimately ending up on the East side of the Milwaukee River. This will be the opposite side of the river versus my starting point. My interactive reference map and starting point (R-12) can be viewed here.

Drift1 Map

2009-03-09T12:15:00.001-07:00

View Larger Map