Joshua Marquez's Recycled Soundscapes: An ingenious journey into the world of waste
Experimental composer Joshua Marquez takes listeners on a groundbreaking sonic expedition with his newest album, Recycled Soundscapes. Composed and recorded during his artist residency at RAIR (Recycled Artist in Residence) in Philadelphia, Marquez ingeniously weaves together field recordings from a recycling facility, rescued instruments and objects, and discarded equipment to create an immersive and thought-provoking musical experience. In our exclusive interview, Marquez delves into the fascinating process behind this album, inviting us to question our relationship with waste and the true essence of recycling.
Recycled Soundscapes, set to officially release on September 1st, 2023, stands as a testament to Joshua Marquez's experimental and innovative approach to music-making. The album is a mesmerizing collection of soundscapes that challenge traditional notions of music and redefine our perception of discarded materials. The journey begins with field recordings taken from the recycling facility, Revolution Recovery, immersing listeners in the ambient sounds of discarded items.
Marquez's ingenuity shines as he incorporates recorded material from instruments and objects rescued from the waste stream, transforming seemingly forgotten pieces into essential components of the musical landscape. From children's instruments to vintage synthesizers, each sound-making device adds a unique layer of character to the compositions, creating a symphony of sonic exploration.
What sets Recycled Soundscapes apart is Marquez's meticulous use of equipment found in the waste stream during his residency at RAIR. Recording directly to magnetic tape, including reel-to-reel and cassette, Marquez preserves the essence of his experimental process, capturing raw and unfiltered sounds. Splicing, cutting, saturating, and altering the material, he skillfully crafts intricate sonic textures that transcend the boundaries of traditional music.
In a daring twist, Marquez takes the concept of recycling sound to a whole new level. The album's final mix is born from a mesmerizing "dumpster performance," and the result is an ethereal and boundary-pushing fusion of sound and environment, blurring the lines between music and the world of waste.
In our insightful interview with Marquez, he shares his creative process and inspiration behind Recycled Soundscapes. We urge everyone out there to click those links below to listen, pick up a vinyl record, and of course to stay tuned for so much more in the works. Don’t miss it!
Listen to “Recycled Soundscapes”
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