Earth is a Solar Powered Jukebox
The amazing world of sound from leading field recording artist Gordon Hempton. The Sound Tracker, listener, speaker and more.
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The Sound Tracker
Gordon Hempton
Gordon Hempton is an international acoustic ecologist and Emmy Award-winning sound recordist. For more than 40 years he has captured the sounds of the natural world — from the breaking of dawn in the Amazon to the whisper of snowfall in the Cascades.
His work has been sought by Apple, Microsoft, Audible, National Geographic, Smithsonian, BBC, and NPR. He has been recognized by The Lindbergh Foundation, Rolex Awards for Enterprise, and the National Endowment for the Arts.
He is the author of two books: One Square Inch of Silence (2010) and Earth is a Solar Powered Jukebox (2014).
Sound Albums
View and listen to the albums available on our online store. Download now to play anywhere.
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Explore more from Gordon Hempton at Quiet Planet for an array of stunning sound libraries.
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The Solar Jukebox
Hempton resides near Olympic National Park in Washington State, utilizing his quiet environment as a recording studio. He describes positioning a microphone system replicating 3D human hearing inside a giant Sitka spruce log that traveled down the Bogachiel River.
The wood species possesses acoustic properties ideal for musical instruments, and when exposed to distant surf vibrations, produces deep harmonic concerts.
The Book
One Square Inch of Silence
"Many books help us see the world differently; this one induces us to hear the world clearly."Booklist, Starred Review Read Now
The Film
Soundtracker
"This is a remarkable journey: a quest for imperiled Nature an artist who never stopped listening."Ken Burns Watch Now
One Square Inch Of Silence
Hempton is an acoustic ecologist who has spent 35 years circling the globe three times pursuing Earth’s rarest nature sounds. These sounds require absence of manmade noise for full appreciation.
He invites visitors to enjoy planetary sonic wonders and join efforts defending the live concert by visiting One Square Inch of Silence.
Hempton circled the globe recording dawn’s chorus, resulting in the Emmy Award-winning PBS documentary Vanishing Dawn Chorus. He continues publishing, designing soundscapes, and consulting as an advocate for preserving vanishing natural sounds.
“Gordon Hempton is turning up the volume on Earth's rarest sounds while working to preserve them.”
“There is something about them that makes you want to redefine the words truth and beauty.”
“Pure, unedited nature… a blend of science and poetry.”
“Your ears are caressed by resonant acoustical poetry.”
“Gordon Hempton brings new meaning to the word purist. He meticulously scouts out sites for their unique acoustic properties.”
“Someday Gordon Hempton's recordings may be heard as the last echo of nature.”