RYAN LABRECHE
LOCATION
Vending Machine. J Wing, Sheridan Trafalgar Campus, Oakville ON
Description of Project
The concept of my work was originally focusing on the sounds that are associated with a vending machine, particularly one that dispenses drinks, since that was the one I chose. This idea is pretty boring, so I tried to develop it a little more. As I did some recordings of the vending machine, there was a lot of background noise of people talking and I was frustrated because it ruined a lot of what I recorded. Upon further listening, I found this to actually contribute to an overall theme of loudness and disruption when one is trying to be at peace. The initial sound in the sound piece is a humming sound of a vending machine, which is the backbone of the whole project. This acts as a sort of meditative sound, almost like the machine is at peace.
Eventually, several disruptions happen, where the machine is constantly being bought from and there are many loud noises surrounding it. I kind of wanted it to take place from the point of view of the vending machine. The site of the machine caught my eye after I went around Sheridan college, looking for inspiration. As I was returning back to class I noticed the machine and thought it might be a decent idea. The sounds I chose were mostly found sounds, though I recorded some of my own also. The sounds were chosen mainly because they had to do with vending machines and also very disruptive sounds. The humming sound, I thought, would create a very peaceful and relaxing sound. One of the sounds that is constant throughout is the sound of coins being pushed through a slot, which was put on loop. That sound is very maddening to listen to and it repeats throughout. The sounds create almost a battle between peacefulness and disruptiveness.