{"id":57553,"date":"2019-02-25T11:49:57","date_gmt":"2019-02-25T10:49:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=57553"},"modified":"2019-02-25T11:49:57","modified_gmt":"2019-02-25T10:49:57","slug":"trim-white-noise-and-minimal-sound","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/staging.centmagazine.co.uk\/?p=57553","title":{"rendered":"TRIM; White Noise and Minimal Sound"},"content":{"rendered":"

Did you know that the human brain is specifically designed to be prone to distraction? \u00a0As part of our most ancient survival instincts, sudden changes in our sonic environments will\u00a0immediately disrupt the flow of information in our brains.\u00a0 The\u00a0instantaneous reactions to these sounds that we experience function as vital defence mechanisms against physical threats or hazards.\u00a0 But more often than not – especially in our modern era of reduced danger – these sudden disruptions end up being physically inconsequential and become mere distractions. \u00a0If you hear a loud noise while working on your laptop in a cafe and instinctively look towards the source, all you will likely see is a broken glass or a piece of tableware on the floor. \u00a0Trivial instances such as these can completely derail our trains of thought and frustrate us to no end, especially when we are trying to think deeply or focus on tasks.<\/p>\n

Perhaps this is the reason why white noise is heralded by many as a versatile tool for concentration enhancement, creative stimulation, and sleep therapy. \u00a0For those who don\u2019t know, white noise is the result of a dense combination of random frequencies from all across the sonic spectrum, reminiscent of the static sometimes emanated by radios or old TVs.\u00a0 However, white noise can often sound more like ocean waves on a sandy beach, especially at soft volumes.\u00a0 In theory, this concentrated pool of varying frequencies – even when\u00a0listened to quietly – functions to obfuscate any competing sounds which may be present in a person\u2019s environment, thereby eliminating the threat of distraction.<\/p>\n

\"wn-landscape\"<\/a>Visual Representation of White Noise<\/p>\n

Advocates of white noise claim that the sound induces a meditative and absorbed state of mind that is conducive to a variety of creative and focus-driven activities. \u00a0To these advocates, the repetitive, minimalistic, and full-bodied aspects of white noise function to trim out the non-essential distractions present in everyday life.<\/p>\n

For many others, however, white noise is not a particularly soothing or cathartic sound. \u00a0The idea of listening to TV static as a means to concentrate is obviously not something that appeals to everyone, especially for music-savvy individuals who rely on creative models of sound for motivation. \u00a0Unfortunately, many types of music are not conducive to focus or creativity and can function as distractions themselves. But fear not! All of us have access to a diverse range of musical varieties which – through their minimalistic textures, rhythms, and patterns – can easily instill a sense of focus and tranquility similar to what many achieve through white noise. \u00a0If you are a music lover and enjoy listening to different styles, then hopefully some of these varieties will help you trim the unnecessary interruptions out of your life.<\/p>\n

Much of the music which relates to white noise can be classified as \u201cminimalistic\u201d or \u201chypnotic\u201d. \u00a0In classical music, the term \u201cminimalism\u201d was first introduced in the early 1960\u2019s as a way to classify a group of like-minded experimental composers within the avant-garde New York \u201cdowntown scene\u201d. \u00a0These minimalist composers, who were originally referred to as the \u201cNew York Hypnotic School\u201d, trimmed away previously-established traditions of classical and popular music such as songful melodies, catchy choruses, and narrative structure. \u00a0Their works – characterised by consistent rhythmic pulses, simple consonant harmonies, and slow-paced sonic transformations – sought to offer listeners with an original and newfound musical language. Many of these pieces were originally considered far too radical and strange for the general public, but as the movement progressed minimalism became far more approachable and pleasant to listen to.<\/p>\n

Among the most well-known of these minimalist composers is Steve Reich, whose work is known for favoring the use of subtle developmental processes to immerse his listeners. \u00a0Through meticulous layering and gradual evolution of rhythm and texture, Reich\u2019s compositions invent their own narrative structures and utilise far fewer elements than most other classical compositions. \u00a0Although his early works are highly experimental and are difficult to understand for casual listeners, his later works successfully brought minimalism into a widely accessible context.<\/p>\n

\"sr-image\"<\/a>
Steve Reich at the Holland Festival in Amsterdam, 1976<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In one of his most famous and well-received pieces, 1976\u2019s Music For 18 Musicians<\/em>, he manages to create nearly an hour of engaging music using a very limited assortment of compositional techniques. \u00a0Divided into eleven sections corresponding to eleven different chords, the music develops slowly but utilises its consistent rhythmic pulse, heavily layered instrumentation, and ever-transforming harmonic landscape to ensure that listeners remain fascinated and mesmerised by the piece. \u00a0With these distinctive qualities, Music for 18 Musicians<\/i> can easily lift you into a white noise mindset where external distractions and interruptions are neutralised.<\/p>\n