Aerial and Underwater

Those who know the myNoise project are likely aware of my interest in recording unique sounds in nature. Each year, I plan a trip to gather new material, and in 2024, I had the chance to visit Iceland, a place I’ve wanted to explore for a long time.

When Rémy and I arrived at the Jökulsárlón Glacier Lagoon, the weather was far from ideal—rainy, windy, and cold. We started hiking along a trail that followed the lagoon, moving away from the noisy tourist area. The weather showed no signs of improving, and if it were up to me, I would have called it a day, returned to the hotel, and relaxed. However, Rémy had other plans, so we continued walking, mostly in silence, enduring the relentless rain and wind. Hours later, as we reached 64°03'50"N 16°16'10"W, the weather finally began to clear, and I could start recording more than just the sound of rainfall and wind, the default settings of this soundscape. You can thank Rémy for the existence all other sliders.

I brought both aerial microphones and underwater hydrophones on this hike. The sounds I captured reveal the fascinating duality of the glacier lagoon’s sound environment: a lively atmosphere by the lakeside and the mysterious world hidden below the water. Above the surface, you’ll hear the rhythmic waves and occasional gusts of wind. Beneath the water, are the delicate sounds of melting ice, subtle bubbling, and the occasional deep resonance of shifting ice masses.

Together, these layers create a rich, immersive experience perfect for blocking noises around you, or simply escaping to the tranquility of Iceland’s wilderness.

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