Singapore II: Urban Sounds into Music

I always carry my portable sound recorder, a Zoom H2n, with me.

This device allows me to capture these fascinating everyday sounds whenever the opportunity arises. It’s amazing how many interesting sonic elements we encounter daily but often overlook – from the gentle hum of escalators to the rhythmic clatter of train tracks, each sound holds potential for musical transformation.

An example? BCN, a song that started with the wheels of my carry-on bag rolling through a moving walking at Barcelona airport.

And Singapore II, this new song that follows my first Singapore-inspired track, which you can listen to here:

All these tracks are part of my larger project where I transform city sounds into musical compositions.

There’s a full album from 2017, and it is available here:

For “Singapore II,” I centered the composition around an element of Singapore’s daily life – the Downtown MRT station announcement.

The clear, automated voice announcing “Downtown” in multiple languages, and also other announcements like “Please mind the gap”, became the focal point, while the instrumental arrangement surrounding it aims to capture the essence of this vibrant Asian metropolis.

The musical backdrop blends together electronic elements with ambient sounds, reflecting Singapore’s unique blend of technological advancement and urban energy. The rhythmic patterns mirror the city’s pulse, while the melodic elements draw inspiration from the multicultural tapestry that makes Singapore so unique.

This piece continues my artistic journey of finding music in the everyday sounds of urban life, transforming what might seem ordinary into something extraordinary.

Check it in all Music Platforms:

I hope you like it!

Best wishes,

Billy.