Bruce, N., 2024.

What should I record? Understanding the evolution and ethics of soundscape recording in a democratised, commercial digital world.

The democratisation and availability of field-recording technologies, coupled with an increase in recording for commercial sound libraries and online field recording discussion communities, necessitates a consideration of the benefits, and inherent drawbacks in this transformation. This paper argues that while interest in field recording contributes to the preservation of soundscapes, it simultaneously narrows focus to more marketable content, potentially sacrificing the diverse and authentic capture of sonic environments. This transformation and commercialisation mirrors the evolution of photography from an artistic medium to a commoditised, mass-produced entity leading to a homogenisation of visual culture.

Likewise, commodification of field recording risks marketising sonic heritage and commercially appealing sounds over the capture of diverse soundscapes. Drawing on Fisher's concepts of hauntology (Fisher, 2014) and capitalist realism (Fisher, 2009), the discourse questions the authenticity and representation of soundscape in an online market-driven reality, exploring the ethical issues of appropriation and sensitivity in commodifying cultural soundscapes. Wherein, sounds that are deemed marketable gain precedence, a selective archival process, while beneficial in preserving certain sounds, potentially marginalises and silences less 'sellable' sonic environments, creating a skewed auditory history.

The need for a reevaluation of the field recordists future, questioning the need for personal credit and compensation against sonic preservation and ethical considerations. Taking a broad Hobbesian view where field recording driven by self-interest and material gain is contrasted with the communal and preservational ethos traditionally associated with academic field recording practices. In conclusion, this paper navigates the complex ethical issues confronting amateur recordists seeking professional status.