So today on March 22, 2014 I traveled around my favorite
area in NYC to do my “Soundwalk,” my neighborhood. But just to do a bit of
exploring, I traveled a couple blocks higher around Avenue D just for a change
of scenery. The sounds were pretty much the same though, which I liked.
During the warmer weather, local businesses will play reggae and soca,
both musics from the Caribbean culture, outside of their stores. I heard one my
favorite songs playing, called “Who Jah Bless” by Isasha, in front of an
essential oils and fragrances store. On that same block I went into a vegan
Caribbean eatery called “Scoops.” I heard rastas talking amongst one another.
One said his wife was sick while the other mentioned he had to get his dreads
re-twisted soon. Then the one with the sick wife asked me what kind of ice
cream I wanted. I told him rum raisin, I asked for the small, but he gave me
three scoops instead, which is the equivalent to a large. We both said our
good-byes, peace and love, and I went on my way.
Aside from actual conversations I had with people and listening to the
musical content of my neighborhood I started paying attention and focusing on
sounds I never really considered important before. I actually listened to the
wind blow. It felt weird at first because I felt like the only way I could
listen to the wind was if it touched my ears. So every time I actually focused
on hearing the wind gusts, I felt like it was kicking in the inside of my ears.
Aside from that, there’s always the sound of the lovely car engines, the
honking of car horns from those graceful drivers with road rage, and on course
the multiple voices of the people up have to bob and weave through just to walk
along the sidewalk. I think my favorite sounds definitely had to be my
conversations with the rastas, and the wind trying to tell me to get my butt
back inside my house.
