the importance of sound...

Recently I've been thinking about the importance of sound. Not just music, mind you, but the very sensation of sound. It's all vibration, after all.

I started thinking about this when I went to Italy.
I got the chance to do sound for a play in Milan last year. The play had been rehearsing for weeks and was more or less up on its feet. Then I got to rehearsals and when I added the simplest sounds to play, it changed the attitude of the whole cast. They were acting differently, they were more invested in their characters. It really made me think about how important sound is.
They asked me to write some music for the opening of the play, some of the transitions, and themes for some of the characters. This really changed the whole vibe of the play. After that I started thinking about my favorite films and how crucial a role the sound and music play in them.
It actually renewed my respect and admiration for sound. It made me listen to sounds differently; with newer, fresher ears. It reminded me that despite the thousands of different sounds we hear every day (including sounds that we unconsciously block out and aren't even aware of) sound is nothing to ever be complacent about. I don't believe in magic, but for me, sound comes pretty damn close.