Background & Research Question
In my previous work, I discuss how tension can be represented with sound, and how this relates back to a phenomenon I call phonentesia. The question I have now started asking myself is how these building blocks can be applied to relevant works, and whether it’s possible to find other ways than the conventional ones I have discussed. There also seem to be problems with how to go about finding the right type of tension for one’s purpose. My direct research question is:
How can one create works with tension in a creative and relevant way, while simultaneously relating these back to the concept of phonentesia?
Purpose
In today’s media, the need for tension occurs in very many contexts, to the degree that many works follow a conventional template. The previous investigation dealt with its basic principles; about why and how this occurs. The starting point with the coming block is to look at how these basic principles can be applied, with the intent to develop the idea of tension and what it can encompass.
Learning Objectives
I will strive to understand tension on a personal level, in such a way that I don’t need to resort to fact-searching around the subject. The goal is to develop my own listening and perception of sound at a level that opens up possibilities to see beyond conventional principles and ideas around sound design in general.
Research
My research will primarily involve understanding different artists’/sound designers’ views on tension, expressed in their works as well as interviews, writings and similar where the subject is discussed. I will set certain criteria for how I make this selection of artists and sound designers, and thereby find relevant works for my investigation. My material will include a mixture of works, and discussions, which I will reflect upon.
Method
To develop my own sense for the subject, I will myself create works that deal with the thoughts and ideas that I develop during my research. This will, like the investigation in Block 2, happen on a basic level and then become increasingly complex going forward as I develop my sense of how tension can be created with sound. A work should thus be prepared with a discussion about how I should approach certain problems that I find during my research, and then be followed by reflection on the result. The reflection should deal with how it went to approach the problems, whether I encountered any unexpected problems and whether it has helped me find something that strengthened my investigation.
I will use DAWs like Ableton Live, Pro Tools and Studio One as a platform for my works. I will utilize associated tools and methods to record my works and develop my ideas.
My name is Jacob Westberg and I am a game composer, software developer, and educator of game audio. You can find topics here surrounding creative work in game music that I find insightful and interesting to research.
In order to share my research with others for free, all articles on this website will be open and accessible for anyone. You can support this open research by subscribing to my Patreon.