99% Invisible The Siren of Scrap Metal
8 snips
Jun 13, 2023 Dive into the vibrant sounds of Mexico City, where scrap metal haulers promote their services with catchy calls that have become cultural phenomena. Discover the story behind 'Fierro Viejo' and its transformation into a symbol of community spirit and resilience. Follow a family’s journey from struggling vendors to local iconic figures, as their experiences resonate through music and activism. Explore how children engage with these unique sounds, fostering connections in their environment, and learn about an artist's mission to document the captivating cries of street life.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Pregones: A Sonic Tradition
- Fierro Viejo stands out among Mexico City's street vendor calls, known as pregones.
- Pregones are a long-standing tradition, refined over centuries, with roots in town criers' announcements.
Fierro Viejo's Origin
- Marco Antonio Turon, a clown and scrap metal collector, had his daughter record his sales pitch.
- The recording, featuring her high-pitched voice, became unexpectedly popular.
The Recording Process
- Marco wanted a recording to avoid straining his voice, and his nine-year-old daughter, Marimar, helped.
- They recorded many takes late at night, resulting in Marimar's tired, iconic delivery.