Heather Stebbins' music embodies the essence of memory through her diverse sound sources, including synthesizers, cello, and field recordings. In her latest album, 'On Separation,' she enriches her compositions with sounds from her everyday life, inspired by her childhood in Maryland's Patapsco Valley State Park. Her teaching at George Washington University emphasizes that any sound can be musical. Stebbins skillfully combines these elements in her performances, showcasing her unique approach to music-making that blends personal history with natural soundscapes.
My formal musical training started when I was 6. I started cello lessons, but prior to that, I was just so absorbed in the sound of my natural environment... Now, I'm like a hoarder of sound, always recording stuff.
I'm always trying to turn my students on to the idea that any sound can be musical, and, in many ways, her live performances offer similar lessons, especially through her use of field recordings.
I'd set up a microphone to record a freezing rain, or leaves, or my kids playing, or wind chimes outside of my house. Really mundane stuff. One of the field recordings is this cake stand that I have. Spinning it makes the best sound ever.
You can hear it near the start of a nuanced piece titled 'Flow Sign.' Stebbins strikes the cake stand as if it were a gong or a singing bowl.
Collection
[
|
...
]