Three Movements for Cellphone
2023 / 9’min
Sound Design



Piece composed with the electromagnetic interference generated by various components of my Huawei Redmi note 8t. Manipulated with Ableton Live Suite 9.

“Three Movements for Cellphone" marks my first exploration into the realm of non-audible frequencies. This piece is part of a broader inquiry, Signal Extraction / Shinjuku Electrical Walk, reflecting on the intricate and evolving contemporary acoustic landscape and our relationship with it.

Regulatory bodies like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Commission on Non-Ionizing Radiation Protection (ICNIRP) have set guidelines for safe exposure levels to these frequencies. However, the economic pressures exerted by the communications sector are significant, often making it challenging to foster an open and transparent debate on the subject. The drive for economic growth and technological advancement can overshadow concerns about long-term health impacts, leading to a complex interplay between regulation, industry interests, and public awareness.

Despite evidence suggesting that these frequencies can influence physiological and psychological well-being—particularly in terms of impacts on sleep quality and subtle changes in cognitive function—the cumulative effect of low-level, long-term exposure to these non-audible frequencies is still not fully understood.

As our environment becomes increasingly saturated with these imperceptible sounds, the need for rigorous investigation, management, and regulation of this evolving acoustic landscape becomes ever more pressing.