Musical composition
The value of bespoke soundtracks in multisensory art special events
2024
Abstract
Research Background
Sound art and installations are established practices that investigate the blurred boundaries of senses, time, space, music and sound (Bandt 2006; Holmes 2022; Wishart 1994, 1996). Visual art based forms like exhibitions and fashion shows often utilize curated background music soundtracks to enhance experience, engagement and perceived value (Skov et al. 2009; Strähle & Kriegel 2018; Braun Janzen et al. 2022). Staging art exhibitions as special cultural events has risen in popularity for adding value through a unique experience (Axelson & Arcodia 2008). However, the rhetorical power of commissioned bespoke soundtracks in art-based special cultural events is underexplored, particularly how they can contribute to perceptions of value and multisensory immersion.
Research Contribution
SOUNDPLAYSTILL is a one-hour bespoke soundtrack by Luttrell, Ward and Kindt comprising of two movements that blend music composition and sound design in response to visual art. It combines methods of composition and production from electroacoustic, minimalism, ambient, IDM, experimental, classical and glitch music to blur sensory and temporal perception. The bespoke nature of the work and emergent audible moments of strings function to rhetorically persuade a listener of alignment with ‘high art’ forms and cultural value (Luttrell 2017; Graham & Luttrell 2019).
Research Significance
Commissioned for artist John Wren, SOUNDPLAYSTILL has featured in 3 Australian special event art exhibitions; STILL with art presented as a fashion runway (2024 Brisbane), PALETTE an immersive dining experience (2025 Tasmania), and CONTINUUM at the Salamanca Arts Centre (2026 Tasmania). It also features in associated media assets and a short-form documentary about STILL and PALETTE. The bespoke soundtrack has supported the unique identity of the commissioning artist to generate collaborations with artisan luxury businesses to showcase the art and create special event experiences.
Details
- Title
- The value of bespoke soundtracks in multisensory art special events
- Authors
- Briony Luttrell (Researcher) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative IndustriesAndy Ward (Researcher) - University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland, School of Business and Creative Industries
- Date published
- 2024
- Organisation Unit
- School of Business and Creative Industries; Healthy Ageing Research Cluster
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 991080797902621
- Output Type
- Musical composition
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