Collective Ear – Four Radio Plays for Deep Listeners
Collective Ear – Four Radio Plays for Deep Listeners
Podcast Description
Sound is all about relationships. It is affected by the physical qualities of space and by the presence of others. By a body here, another there, and yet another over there. But can listening be shared? Talked about? Put into words? And when we try to do so, does one sound become many? Do many ears become one? Or does each person hear within their own unique sonic universe?
Is there always hearing where there is sound?
What shapes my listening? And what escapes my ear?
In each of the four episodes we introduce a piece of sound art that makes listening a subject. But unlike ordinary sound performances, “Collective Ear” frees you from the isolation of your headphones bubble and invites you to witness how other mindful ears listen.
Some say it’s not the sound that matters, but how we listen.
Join us, listen closely.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast delves into themes of collective listening, sound perception, and the relationship between sound and space. Episodes include explorations of sound art like Cally Spooner’s DEAD TIME (Melody’s Warm Up), where listeners are encouraged to reflect on their own listening experiences and challenge conventional ways of engaging with sound.

Sound is all about relationships. It is affected by the physical qualities of space and by the presence of others. By a body here, another there, and yet another over there. But can listening be shared? Talked about? Put into words? And when we try to do so, does one sound become many? Do many ears become one? Or does each person hear within their own unique sonic universe?
Is there always hearing where there is sound?
What shapes my listening? And what escapes my ear?
In each of the four episodes we introduce a piece of sound art that makes listening a subject. But unlike ordinary sound performances, “Collective Ear” frees you from the isolation of your headphones bubble and invites you to witness how other mindful ears listen.
Some say it’s not the sound that matters, but how we listen.
Join us, listen closely.
We join a small gathering of friends on a balcony: Fran to your left, Sid and Moon to your right. It’s an early summer evening; the air is filled with birdsong and the sound piece Fuengu (2021) by Hong-Kai Wang. For this project, the artist explored the musical heritage of the family of Tsou Taiwanese composer Uong e Yatauyungana, using listening as a way to get to know the Psoseongana landscape. How can we listen in a non-extractive way? Can I hear without interest? Listen without taking anything away? And is there a way of hearing that is better – or worse? Who decides?

Disclaimer
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