Echoes of Murlough

Echoes of Murlough is an electroacoustic composition presented in VR. The listener is enveloped in a virtual space that explores the intersection of musical and environmental sonic materials gathered from Murlough Beach, Co. Down in Northern Ireland. The user is a passive observer in the piece which unfolds around them in a spatially head tracked experience. The auditory virtual environment (AVE) has an authentic approach that moves into the creational, as described by Novo [1]. Taking the listener on a journey from the real to the abstract but where the sounds retain a connection to place. All sounds where gathered at the beach using a combination ambisonic, MS stereo, mono and contact microphones including the electric guitar except for two parts recorded in the studio. The music was composed of improvised guitar parts using an “Ebow” and recorded on the beach using an ambisonic microphone in conjunction with a lavalier wireless system to allow freedom of movement that would be captured and become integral to the piece. The contrast and interplay between environmental and instrumental sources are explored in relation to space. The intention is that the listener and composition itself will be rooted in a sense of place that will provide a foundation for immersion.