Cities and Memory - remixing the world

• Sunday market in Molenbeek

  Step into the vibrant streets of Molenbeek, Belgium on a Sunday morning, where the sounds of the bustling market come alive. This immersive sound walk recording captures the sights and sounds of the local community as they go about their day. The air is filled with the cacophony of vendors calling out to passersby, the clinking of pots and pans, and the murmur of lively conversations in a variety of dialects. The scent of fresh produce and exotic spices wafts through the air, enticing shoppers to explore the stalls. In the distance, the gentle chime of church bells adds a touch of serenity to the scene, providing a poignant contrast to the energetic atmosphere of the market. Recorded by Colin Hunter.

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• Nanjing, Sanqiba Lane

  This curiously named lane, marked by a stone archway, hosts an open-air market hemmed in by tall, dense residential buildings. Mobile vendors, traditional snack stalls, breakfast shops, butchers, and seafood stands huddle together, with a central lot crammed with bicycles and scooters. It serves as the local wet market, breakfast spot, and a hangout where elders idly stroll.  Vendors’ calls are swallowed by the bold, booming voices of Nanjing locals. Online, many claim this is Nanjing’s most authentic, lively spot, as if noise, chaos, and disorder define “local flavour.” The equation seems to be: noisy public spaces = bustling = vibrant = full of life. Defining a place’s spirit by its volume is a raw, unpolished truth. Recorded in Nanjing, China by Digimonk.

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• Tranquil afternoon by the water in Sa Pa

  High in the misty mountains of northern Vietnam, the sound of water guides you to serenity. A gentle, steady stream cascades from the Love Waterfall as birds call softly in the distance – their contrast providing the perfect melody. This tranquil soundscape captures the pure essence of Sa Pa’s beauty, where nature sings in tones of peace and clarity, inviting you to breathe deeply and let go. Recorded in Sa Pa, Vietnam by Jake Edwards.

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• Bawlmer Penn

  This is a simple field recording of passenger hubbub and train announcements at Baltimore Penn Station which was constructed in 1911. They have recently updated the building and they have started to play classical music in the background which I personally adore. Note: Some people like to affectionately call the city "Bawlmer", thus the file is named "Bawlmer Penn". Recorded by Bill McKenna.

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• Belen's tears

  In the Belén neighborhood of Iquitos, Peru, extreme poverty prevails. Residents live in wooden stilt houses along the Amazon River, vulnerable to flooding, with poor sanitation and limited access to healthcare. This recording captures the ambiance of the street market, where exotic animals are sold, reflecting a community trapped in poverty and neglect. Recorded by Rafael Diogo.

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