Remaking The World We Live In

Remakes are all around us. This week’s show is made up of stories of remaking sound– through instruments, living organisms, and other means. First, an experimental instrument designer brings joy to our ears with some of his wackier creations. Then we speak with some innovative inhabitants of Stanford’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics, who have turned old junk into something truly exquisite. And, stay tuned, tomatoes sing…

Host: Daniel MacDougall
Producers: Charlie Mintz, Noah Burbank, Daniel MacDougall
Featured: Bart Hopkin, Sasha Leitman, Jen Carlile, Chris Chafe
Music: Johnny Hwin, Bart Hopkin

Release Date: 3 March 2008

Story 1: Is Anything Truly Original?

We ask a few friends how they’re remaking the world. Along the way we encounter a question about the nature of creativity, and some insights about Lindsay Lohan, I-beams, and hip hop.

Producer: Daniel MacDougall
Featuring: Jade Wang, Karen Warner, Hannah Krakauer, Shelly Ni

Story 2: Instrument Remade

Creative organologist Bart Hopkin remakes the sounds of the world. He is the founder of Experimental Musical Instruments, an organization that explores the acoustic potential of metals, woods, string, tubes, and anything else that makes a sound.

Producers: Charlie Mintz
Featuring: Bart Hopkin

Story 3: Bicycle Battle Station, Breathing Tomatoes and Snapping Shrimp

Stanford’s Center for Computer Research in Music and Acoustics is one of the foremost sites for exploration of the digital potential of music. We are taken on a tour of some of the center’s more unusual creations.

Producer: Noah Burbank
Featuring: Sasha Leitman, Jen Carlile

Story 4: Punishment Remade

Everyone, at some point, has to deal with angry parents. Usually you deal with it alone, or with your brothers and sisters. But when you happen to record your father’s tirade, then you can share the experience with your entire school.

Producer: Charlie Mintz