About 

Tarutao stands as a truly unique gem on Thailand’s map. While countless islands have been shaped by the tourism industry, Tarutao—part of a Marine National Park—remains a pristine wilderness with minimal infrastructure. This mountainous, 26-kilometer-long island is traversed by a single, branching concrete road, offering a partial glimpse into the vibrant life of its dense tropical forest.

 I first visited Tarutao a decade ago and have returned almost every year since, always with a recorder and microphones in tow. These spontaneous trips gradually evolved into one of my most significant field recording projects. My aim was never simply to catalogue local fauna or create audio postcards—a common pitfall in nature recordings that often artificially aestheticize by omitting human sounds. Though the island appears untouched, it’s constantly encircled by dozens of fishing boats and buzzed by overhead planes. The roar of waves often masks the persistent encroachment of human-made noise, while beaches littered with plastic waste serve as stark reminders of the ongoing battle for this wild land’s autonomy.
What I’m capturing is a fragile ecosystem that could vanish in an instant under the relentless pressure of the surrounding anthropocentric world. For me, Tarutao is a complex, living organism, and I’m deeply interested in a holistic listening experience of its soundscape, even if it’s inherently shaped by a subjective perspective. I’m drawn to Bernie Krause’s approach: where voices form a collective image and are always understood within a specific context.

 The presented recording consists of four segments captured at night and in the early morning.
All were made without my direct presence; the recorder, left in selected locations, ran for many uninterrupted hours, offering a deeper insight into the island’s life. The chosen fragments highlight the activity of langurs during the night and at dawn, when their calls are joined by a chorus of birds.

 Mirt –has been crafting a unique, hard-to-classify electronic music, fluidly blending avant-garde elements with influences from the fringes of club culture. He masterfully integrates field recordings, which are far more than mere embellishments; they are integral components shaping both the sound and structure of his compositions. His creative wellspring extends beyond European traditions, embracing diverse cultural inspirations.
The result is a compelling collage—part soundtrack, part soundscape—often echoing the concept of Fourth World music. His work is characterized by its free, improvised nature, yet it retains a hypnotic quality with its judicious use of repetition and trance-like rhythms. He releases music both solo and through collaborative projects like Mirt+Ter and Brasil and the Gallowbrothers Band. His compositions have also graced films and installations, including Blinded by the Lights, Expo 2020 Dubai, and the Sound Monument of KL Plaszow.
With dozens of albums released via labels in Poland, Italy, and the USA, he’s also a seasoned independent publisher. Many early works were self-released under the now-defunct cat|sun, succeeded by Oddities of Nature. Additionally, he helms Saamleng, a label solely dedicated to popularising field recordings, showcasing both his own captures and those of fellow artists. In his practice, field recording beautifully intertwines with his musical creations, yet it also stands strong as a significant and independent branch of his artistic journey.

https://saamleng.bandcamp.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.