NURTURE SOUNDS

A continually evolving project that is both an active collection and an exploration of the impact of sonic environments on growth and development. Specifically, looking at how the sounds created by a mother not only impact the mental, emotional, spiritual, and bodily well-being of a child but also play a huge part in weaving together the tapestry of a person.

We are currently accepting submissions to be included in the collection; all languages and nationalities are welcome. If you are a mother, consider participating in this art project.

We are currently accepting submissions to be included in the collection; all languages and nationalities are welcome. If you are a mother, consider participating in this art project.

The Sounds

  • ✺

    Born from body and words. Formed by prayers of hope and protection whispered in the middle of the night.

  • ✺

    Gentle hushing sounds from deep, calming breaths. Natural, organic, human, white-noise.

  • ✺

    A lullaby ever so quiet as if being sung over a sleeping baby. Heartstrings and connection deepening through breath and melody.

Submit Audio

INSTRUCTIONS

Finding A Place

Find a quiet space with little to no background noise, preferably indoors, in a space where ambient sounds like wind, traffic, birds, air conditioning, etc. aren’t too loud.

Choosing Your Mic

Your phone’s microphone is great for making a voice recording. If you have access to a professional microphone, feel free to use that, but for the purposes of this project, it is not necessary.

The Content

You can submit a lullaby, a prayer, and/or hush sounds. If you submit all three, please record them separately and not have them all on one recording. Be sure both the song and prayer are original or in the public domain to avoid copyright infringement issues.

Naming The Audio Files

Within most recording apps on your phone, you should be able to name or edit the name of the recording. If so, please include your name and whether it is a lullaby, prayer, or hush sounds.

Finding A Time

Set aside a time and space free of distractions, take a few deep breaths, and get into the right mindset of peace. Your state of mind will reflect in the sound of your voice.

Getting Set Up

If recording with your phone, hold your phone roughly 8cm (3 inches) away from your mouth. Be sure that you are not moving around or accidentally tapping your phone with hair, clothes, or jewelry. Any additional noises could compromise the audio quality.

When Recording

Please speak your home language and dialect. Aside from that, please whisper the prayer at a volume that is as quiet as possible while still being intelligible. For the lullaby, please sing as quietly as possible, almost whispering. The hushing sounds should be your natural instinct in the type of hushing you would use to soothe and calm a baby. (Please do not have your face pointed directly at the mic for the hushing sounds; to avoid distortion, turn your face slightly to the side)

Audio File Length

There are no requirements on the length of audio, although 30 to 180 seconds is recommended per recording. Please do not send audio that exceeds 5 minutes.