Sonic Minds: looking back at a 3-day sound camp in The Fields

Sonic Minds’ inaugural sound camp, held over three days in The Fields, was an extraordinary convergence of sound, space, health and well-being. Led by MSCTY_Studio’s Nick Luscombe and James Greer and OIST’s Mark James, the camp created an environment of curiosity and engagement through a program of shared experiences and deep discussions. 

Participants from diverse backgrounds came together to explore field recordings, meditations, and interactive workshops, and it was special to see such a unique collective so invested in the experience…together. This immersive approach not only brought the group together but also sparked conversations that generated new ideas and shifted perspectives. Musicians mingled with activists, and scientists mingled with monks.

A standout moment for many was the presence of two monks—one from Japan and the other from Thailand—whose different yet complementary approaches to sound and nature deepened the discussions. Their insights, particularly around how sound relates to meditation and mindfulness, resonated with participants. 

One participant recounted a powerful moment on the final day when the group visited locations chosen by attendees and shared a collective silence. Listening to the wind through the bamboo, they experienced a heightened awareness of the connection between sound, nature and self-care. 

Another memorable highlight involved passing headphones to the Thai Forest Monk, Tan Poom, and sharing the sounds of the underwater world with him—a poignant moment that beautifully illustrated the unity of sound and meditation.

The camp’s setting also played a significant role in the sound camp. With ample space to explore, participants discovered new areas of The Fields, including behind-the-scenes locations normally off-limits during the festival. It was noted that this sense of freedom enriched their connection to the land and sparked creative thinking. One attendee reflected on how the interactions between musicians, scientists and monks—united by their curiosity about sound—led to conversations that will likely influence future collaborations and continue to guide and shape the Sonic Minds programme.

The insights gathered at the sound camp not only laid the groundwork for Sonic Minds activations at Wonderfruit 2024 but also inspired new ideas and collaborations that will continue to evolve beyond the festival. The experience was a reminder of how essential human-to-human connection is in the digital age and how sound can be a powerful tool for nurturing both personal and collective well-being.