Navigating Urban Soundscapes: Dublin and Los Angeles in Fiction

Navigating Urban Soundscapes: Dublin and Los Angeles in Fiction provides an innovative analytical framework to explore sound in different media and across two distinct urban soundscapes. It argues that the concept of "urban sound" is a cultural and aesthetic construct and demonstrates why aesthetics needs to be at the forefront of sound studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 244 pages
Publication date: 02 January 2023
Publisher: Springer International Publishing AG

Navigating Urban Soundscapes: Dublin and Los Angeles in Fiction presents an innovative analytical framework for delving into the multifaceted realm of sound across various media and two distinct urban soundscapes. By examining a diverse array of novels, films, and radio dramas, with Dublin and Los Angeles serving as case studies, Annika Eisenberg explores the intricate process of how sounds are aestheticized to signify urban spaces in fiction. Moreover, she investigates how sounds facilitate the navigation of these fictional urban environments, not only for the auscultators, the characters within a work of fiction who engage with the auditory cues, but also for the auditeurs, the implied audience of a fictional work. Eisenberg compellingly argues that the concept of "urban sound" is a cultural and aesthetic construct, thereby underscoring the critical importance of aesthetics in the study of sound. Through her comprehensive analysis, she demonstrates why aesthetics must occupy a central position in the field of sound studies.

Introduction:
In contemporary society, cities have become increasingly vibrant and dynamic hubs, characterized by a fusion of cultural diversity, economic growth, and technological innovation. The urban landscape is not only a physical space but also a rich tapestry of sounds, rhythms, and melodies that shape the experiences and perceptions of its inhabitants. This essay aims to explore the role of sound in shaping urban spaces and narratives in fiction, with a specific focus on Dublin and Los Angeles as case studies.

Dublin:
Dublin, the capital city of Ireland, is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant music scene, and historic architecture. The city's soundscape is characterized by a mix of traditional Irish music, contemporary pop, and the sounds of urban life. The iconic Dublin Bus, with its distinctive horn, is a symbol of the city's transportation system and a constant reminder of its bustling streets.

In fiction, Dublin has been portrayed as a city of contrasts, where old and new, traditional and modern, coexist harmoniously. Novels such as "Dubliners" by James Joyce and "The Commitments" by Roddy Doyle capture the essence of Dublin's soundscape, with its distinct accents, street noises, and musical traditions. These works depict the city as a place of longing, nostalgia, and the pursuit of dreams, where the sounds of the past and present intertwine to create a unique urban tapestry.

Films such as "Once" and "Sing Street" also showcase Dublin's soundscape, with its vibrant music scene and the sounds of the city's streets. The film "Once" features the music of Irish folk legend Glen Hansard, and the film's soundtrack captures the raw energy and emotion of the city's music scene. "Sing Street" is set in the 1960s and captures the sound of a changing Dublin, with its mix of traditional Irish music and contemporary pop.

Radio dramas such as "The Dubliners" and "The Wind That Shakes the Barley" also contribute to the portrayal of Dublin's soundscape. These dramas depict the lives of ordinary Dubliners and their struggles against political oppression and social inequality, and the sound of the city's streets and the sounds of the Irish language play a significant role in conveying the characters' experiences and emotions.

Los Angeles:
Los Angeles, the cultural and economic epicenter of California, is known for its sprawling urban landscape, iconic landmarks, and diverse population. The city's soundscape is characterized by a mix of urban noise, traffic, and the sounds of nature. The Hollywood Hills, with their panoramic views and serene landscapes, provide a contrast to the bustling city center.

In fiction, Los Angeles has been portrayed as a city of dreams, where anything is possible and the possibilities are endless. Novels such as "The Day of the Locust" by John Steinbeck and "Fight Club" by Chuck Palahniuk capture the essence of Los Angeles's soundscape, with its mix of urban chaos and natural beauty. These works depict the city as a place of excess, materialism, and the pursuit of fame and fortune, where the sounds of the city's traffic and the sounds of the human voice blend together to create a unique urban tapestry.

Films such as "La La Land" and "The Great Gatsby" also showcase Los Angeles's soundscape, with its iconic music scene and the sounds of the city's streets. "La La Land" features the music of jazz legend Miles Davis, and the film's soundtrack captures the energy and passion of the city's music scene. "The Great Gatsby" is set in the 1920s and captures the sound of a glamorous and opulent Los Angeles, with its mix of jazz music and classical music.

Radio dramas such as "The Twilight Zone" and "The X-Files" also contribute to the portrayal of Los Angeles's soundscape. These dramas depict the supernatural and the unknown, and the sound of the city's traffic and the sounds of the human voice blend together to create a sense of unease and tension.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the role of sound in shaping urban spaces and narratives in fiction is significant. Dublin and Los Angeles, as case studies, offer a rich tapestry of sounds and rhythms that contribute to the portrayal of these cities as unique and dynamic urban environments. The sounds of the Dublin Bus, traditional Irish music, contemporary pop, and the sounds of the city's streets and the Irish language play a significant role in conveying the characters' experiences and emotions. Similarly, the sounds of urban noise, traffic, and nature in Los Angeles create a sense of chaos and excess, as well as the pursuit of dreams and fame. By exploring the interplay between sound and urban space in fiction, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural and aesthetic constructs that shape our cities and the experiences of their inhabitants.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 210 x 148 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783031167331
Edition number: 1st ed. 2023