Audio Mostly 2025
University of Coimbra, Portugal
Audio Mostly is an interdisciplinary conference on design and experience of interaction with sound that prides itself on embracing applied theory and reflective practice. Its annual gatherings bring together thinkers and doers from academia and industry that share an interest in sonic interaction and the use of audio for interface design. This remit covers product design, auditory display, computer games and virtual environments, new musical instruments, and education and workplace tools. It further includes fields such as the psychology of sound and music, cultural studies, system engineering, and everything in between in which sonic interaction plays a role.
The proposed theme, "Explorations in Sonic Cultures", is intended to invite scholars, researchers, artists, and practitioners from various disciplines to engage in an interdisciplinary exploration of sonic cultures and their profound influence on human experiences. Sonic cultures encompass a wide range of acoustic phenomena, including music, sound art, soundscapes, and sound technologies. By examining the multifaceted dimensions of sound and its interaction with culture, this conference aims to deepen our understanding of how sound shapes and is shaped by diverse social, historical, and technological contexts.
The conference will provide a platform for attendees to present and discuss cutting-edge research, innovative artistic practices, and critical perspectives on sonic cultures. The focus will be on fostering dialogue and collaboration across disciplines such as acoustics, sound arts, media studies, and musicology. Topics of exploration may include, but are not limited to, the cultural significance of music and sound, the construction of sonic identities, the influence of technology on sound production and consumption, and the preservation and documentation of sonic heritage.
"Explorations in Sonic Cultures" seeks to create a space for intellectual exchange and creative inquiry, fostering new insights and possibilities within the field. The conference will feature keynote presentations, panel discussions, paper presentations, artistic performances, and interactive workshops. It aims to facilitate a deeper understanding of the role of sound in culture and society, with the goal of advancing knowledge, inspiring new research directions, and stimulating cross-disciplinary collaborations in the study of sonic cultures.