Self-portrait as a meditation on someone else

Written in 2021 for fixed media 62 minutes

First entry in the Self-Portrait Series

It was never my intention with this piece to demonstrate the sounds of a specific place: multiple locations and environments are juxtaposed throughout this piece, interspersed with quiet tones, noise, etc. to create a subtle but surreal portrait. It is specific in that a place is heard, but simultaneously abstract - emotional, nearly sentimental at times, but also barren or spacious. Sometimes noisy moments of the natural and designed environment are placed on top of each other, or a two silent rooms are heard together to create something new. There is nothing “pure” about this piece - rarely is a sound truly heard in isolation - but this is also the experience of memory, and our selective, yet never clear recollections of past.

Field Recording, Electronics, and Piano by Kory Reeder
Flute: Alaina Clarice
Viola: Kathy Crabtree

Special thanks to the folks making music out in the world that appeared in this recording.

Self-portrait as a Meditation on Someone Else was recorded around Denton County, Texas and composed in early 2021.