Sound Reset: Listening Session 2: “Every Other Breath” Krzysztof Topolski (Arszyn)
Listening Session 2: “Every Other Breath” Krzysztof Topolski (Arszyn)
June 8th marks World Oceans Day. The Global Ocean produces half of the oxygen in our atmosphere, meaning every other breath we take comes from the oceans. Most species living on Earth are found in the oceans. However, human activity has led to a critical situation for the Global Ocean. Overfishing, plastic pollution, decreasing oxygen levels, and rising water temperatures are just some of the significant issues.
The Baltic Sea is connected to the Atlantic and Global Ocean via the Danish Straits. In the 19th century, it was one of the cleanest seas. Today, it’s among the most polluted. Every year, fishermen abandon an estimated 5 to 10 thousand nets in the Baltic waters.These “ghost nets” become deadly traps for marine mammals and disrupt fish populations. We’re also witnessing eutrophication, caused by excessive nitrogen and phosphorus compounds (known as biogenic substances) in the water. Furthermore, the Baltic Sea is heavily polluted by noise.
The field recordings of sea waves that make up the composition “Every Other Breath” were collected by me on the beaches of Gdańsk Bay. I invite you to listen.
Krzysztof Topolski (Arszyn) i s a drummer, composer, and sound artist celebrated for his impactful sound installations. His work deeply explores field recording, acoustic ecology, and soundscapes, blending these into improvised, electroacoustic, and computer-based compositions. He also educates through acoustic ecology workshops.
With collaborations spanning Poland, Europe, and the U.S., Topolski has performed in numerous bands, including Night Come, Red Rooster, Dzieci Kapitana Klossa, Ludzie, Kobiety, Emiter-Arszyn, Arszyn-Duda, Radar, Arszyn-Gadecki, Wolność, Woda, Korzuchy, Synchrotrony, and Dead Vistula (now Buk). He also performs compelling solo sets as Arszyn.
http://krzysztoftopolski.wordpress.com
Each day of the festival, a powerful dose of sound resonates through our ears and entire bodies. To help restore balance, we invite you to a unique sonic reset: a meditative, collective immersion in the sounds of the natural world, while also showcasing the compelling work of Polish field recording artists.
Start your festival day with a moment of calm. On three festival mornings (Friday to Sunday), we invite you to unplug and unwind in a one-of-a-kind sound sanctuary. Step into a darkened room, leave the visual noise behind, and sink into soft cushions and deck chairs. Let yourself be fully immersed in the subtle rhythms of the natural world, as specially curated field recording sets wash over you.
Crafted exclusively for Different Sounds by Poland’s leading field recording artists—Izabela Dłużyk, Tomek Mirt, and Krzysztof Topolski—these sonic journeys offer a meditative reset for your senses.
Each of our three listening sessions invites you into a distinct and immersive world of sound.
Tomek Mirt transports you to Tarutao—an island in Thailand draped in dense tropical jungle—where every rustle, hum, and echo becomes part of a living story. Krzysztof Topolski’s Every Other Breath brings the pulse of the Baltic Sea to your ears, with recordings from the windswept shores of the Gulf of Gdańsk. And Izabela Dłużyk opens a portal to the magic of nocturnal soundscapes, capturing the hidden voices of the Polish night.
Let the soundscapes guide you—each one a new journey, each one a world of its own. Take a break, reset your ears with Polish field recordings, and tune in for the next wave of musical experiences at Different Sounds.
When:
Listening Session 1: “Tarutao” Mirt | 4 July (Friday), 11.00-11.45
Listening Session 2: “Every Other Breath” Krzysztof Topolski (Arszyn) | 5 July (Saturday), 11.00-11.45
Listening Session 3: “Soundscapes from the Depths of Night” Izabela Dłużyk | 6 July (Sunday), 11.00-11.45
Where: Workshops of Culture, Grodzka 5a – auditorium, 2nd floor
How to prepare for your listening session
- Arrive early: Please come at least a few minutes before 11.00 to choose your listening spot. We’ll have cushions, deck chairs, and blankets available.
- Silence your phone: Turn off your phone’s sounds and avoid using it during the session. The listening room will be darkened, and screen light can disturb others.
- Stay for the duration: If possible, please try not to leave during the session, as it might distract other listeners.
- Give yourself time to adjust: Your mind, accustomed to listening to music, might initially find it challenging to follow subtle, individual sounds. Allow yourself time: close your eyes, relax, and let your hearing guide you through the diversity and variability of the sounds.
- Embrace the auditory experience: Each session offers approximately 35 minutes of sounds without visual stimuli. Consciously forgo visuals and simply listen—listen deeper, wider, and more.
