From dryers playing Schubert to microwaves playing inspirational melodies, when did household appliances become the soundtrack to daily life? In this episode, we explore the beginnings of the product sonification trend that has become mainstream for nearly all types of household appliances. And, we share a taxomony of human reactions to the trend. 

Some of my favorite choreography videos to appliance songs:

https://youtube.com/shorts/J-5t3EvhAlU?si=QX2VTb6vosJb9JTT

https://www.tiktok.com/@cost_n_mayor/video/7192425403661765931

Thanks to the pianist and guitarist who posted their duets on YouTube and are included in the episode, and some other faves:

Pianist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tu1g3h4lAvQ 

Guitarist: https://youtu.be/y3vWVynL9Q4?si=0eqUhJKc8dQK9MzS 

One man band: https://youtu.be/XG9xHIG7RII?si=eSywG5fCH6SZndVc 

Credits: Huge thank you to Mike Hahm and Meegan’s friend Jill for sharing the household appliance jingles from their homes. And thanks to the following audio artists who have made their work available for use: Sal Monella Eatery and Pub by – by Steven F Allen (audiomirage) — https://freesound.org/s/718491/ , People Talking 01 by iameligator — https://freesound.org/s/494102/ , Bright sfx hit by xkeril — https://freesound.org/s/736849/ , VS_Short Whoosh 2.mp3 by Vilkas_Sound — https://freesound.org/s/460471/ , Production Sounder: Button Zipper Usage by BWSmithATL — https://freesound.org/s/245314/

Contact us: [email protected]

References:

1) https://www.gearpatrol.com/home/a45038903/singing-appliances/ 2) https://www.wtnh.com/news/national/what-is-behind-the-end-of-cycle-song-on-your-samsung-washer-can-you-turn-it-off/#:~:text=According%20to%20Husker%2C%20a%20Samsung,convey%20comfort%20in%20the%20home.&text=Composed%20in%201817%2C%20the%20song,lyrics%20to%20sing%20along%20to! 3) https://www.yourclassical.org/story/2020/08/20/appliance-jingles-classical-music 4) https://www.its-her-factory.com/2018/11/singing-appliances-reproductive-labor/ 5) https://interlude.hk/classical-sounds-in-modern-machines-household-appliances-play-classical-music/ 6) https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2019/09/why-are-washing-machines-learning-to-play-the-harp/594706/ (I read on: https://www.nightterrorsof1927.com/why-washing-machines-are-learning-how-to-play-the-harp ) 7) https://www.upworthy.com/violinist-washing-machine-duet 8) https://musescore.com/user/28662213/scores/9601027#:~:text=The%20funky%20little%20song%20that,Poacher%2C%20composed%20by%20Pete%20Morton. 9) https://www.audiobrain.com/ 10) https://www.zojirushi.com/blog/design-explained-our-signature-tune/ 11) https://www.20k.org/episodes/domesticsymphony (podcast) 12) https://rksdesign.com/home-appliance-design/#