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soundmark | /saʊnd//mɑːk/ | noun
referring to a community sound which is unique, or possesses qualities which make it specially regarded or noticed by the people in that community.

Sound is an important medium for establishing context, whether it be in film, tv, or radio, ambient sound is often used as an underlying audio track to reinforce the setting of the media piece. Such tracks are often referred to as soundmarks. Highly indicative of the specific setting, these easily position the audience, through sound, within the context of the work. Ambient sound does a similar thing, however places the audience within a more general setting, for example, a cafe, as opposed to a cafe in paris.

Below are some amateur soundmarks/ambient audio that I’ve recorded throughout the week, which simply capture some of the atmospheric noise in particular places around Melbourne.

Melbourne CBD

Melbourne Zoo

Botanic Gardens

Rally

Emporium Shopping Centre / Cafe