Towards Sustainable Sonic Arts Practices : Less Glitz, More Grit

In the context of the climate crisis, what makes for a sustainable practice for contemporary sound artists? It is clear that musicians, producers, composers, and sound designers can no longer blindly pursue the creation of beauty - emotional melodies, exciting rhythms, lush timbres - simply to lure listeners on a leisurely, alas temporary, escape into Scharaffenland. Art is more than entertainment. This paper argues that it is incumbent upon sound artists to dedicate their skill, time, and efforts towards the greater good of climate change mitigation. While many sound artists, including me, are closely connected to academic institutions that provide material resources and ample time for reflection, we must recognise that positions of privilege come with great responsibility. In fact, we cannot be content with raising awareness but must strive to stimulate action. I will review initiatives towards sustainable practices amongst pop musicians, working in industry, and sound artists, working in niche or academic contexts. From there, I discuss four matters of concern for sound artists working in academia. Firstly, a rethinking of the aesthetics, purposes, sonic materials, and methods that composers and sound artists use, if their output is to generate meaning-filled experiences that reach beyond the serotonin rush of instant gratification and instead influence listeners to reflect and react to the crisis. Secondly, finding ways to calculate CO2 footprint for the production, presentation, and distribution of sonic artwork, while carefully weighing reasonable costs against potential (if not measurable) impact on audiences, in terms of positive behavioural change. Thirdly, stimulating students and other stakeholders by reviewing curricula and teaching practices in educational institutions. Fourthly, strengthening the network of initiatives geared towards sustainable practices among professionals in the field of sound art. © 2024 PerMagnus Lindborg.