Discover unique sonic wonders in the US - a hidden art installation in Times Square and a massive organ in a Virginia cave. Learn about the impact of these sounds and the passion behind their creation.
Experience unique sounds while traveling, uncovering hidden sonic wonders like The Hum in Times Square.
Merge art and science by constructing musical instruments from natural elements, such as the Great Stalact Pipe Organ in Luray Caverns.
Deep dives
Seeking Writing Help and Sound Stories
The host of the podcast is looking for writing help to curate and write short sound stories shared on platforms like Instagram and TikTok. Additionally, the podcast encourages submissions of sound-related stories from other podcasts and invites pitches from listeners who want to report or share compelling sound stories. The host emphasizes the importance of experiencing unique sounds while traveling and highlights the diverse sounds encountered in different locations, urging listeners to be conscious of the auditory experiences around them.
The Hum of Times Square
A story from the Atlas Obscura podcast is shared, focusing on a hidden sound installation in Times Square known as 'The Hum.' Created by sound artist Max Newhouse, without prominent signage, the hum emanates from a grate on a pedestrian triangle, blending into the bustling urban environment. The art piece remains a quiet, unnoticed gem amidst the noisy backdrop of Times Square, inviting contemplation on the intersection of sounds, art, and urban spaces.
The Great Stalact Pipe Organ in Luray Caverns
An intriguing tale is recounted about the construction of a unique organ in Luray Caverns by electronics engineer Leland Sprinkle. Using stalactites as keys, the organ produces musical notes when struck by tiny mallets, creating a harmonious blend of natural formations and musical sounds. Leland's passion and expertise in music intertwined with his engineering skills led to the creation of this extraordinary musical instrument, known as the 'Great Stalact Pipe Organ,' preserving his legacy of merging art and science in a truly remarkable endeavor.
All over the world, there are unique and breathtaking sounds that you can only hear in one specific place. In this episode, we travel to two of the most astounding sonic wonders in the United States. The first is a hidden sound installation in Times Square that might be the most visited art exhibit on Earth. The second is an enormous organ built right into the rock of an ancient Virginian cave. These stories originally aired on the Atlas Obscura podcast.