Sound of Data is an all-day, immersive workshop and lecture series hosted on March 14, 2020. It is presented in partnership with Biblioteka Records, Ryerson’s Faculty of Communication and Design, the School of Professional Communication, and the Music Den.

The event features three separate, but related, learning blocks, staggered and organized in an order that makes the most sense for information processing. We start the day with Block A: Modular Synth for Absolute Beginners. A re-visitation of the Modular Synth for Absolute Beginners workshop hosted by Biblioteka Records, Frequency Freaks, and the Ryerson Responsive Ecologies Lab in October 2019, this information session breaks down the information barriers that lie ahead for those wanting to learn more about modular synthesizers, and presents the information and synthesis basics in an easy to understand, fun, and engaging way.

Block B, Sonification, invites participants to explore Sonification, turning data into sound. We will start with an overview of sonification, and will consider how sound can help usunderstand data in different ways from established approaches such as data visualization. or the translation of data into sound. We then introduce participants to the E-Rhythms Data Sonifier, the Orpheum, and other tools that can be used to represent and engage with large data sets. Participants are invited to bring in their own data sets and try out tools and techniques that transform data into something we can hear.

Finally, Block C, TouchDesigner for Beginners, is an introduction to visualization software TouchDesigner that will touch on syncing TD to Ableton, using the program as a way to create a small monosynth within itself, and data and sound visualization.

The event is free for students, and $10 per workshop or $25 for the whole day for non-students. Attendees are welcome to attend any panel of their choice, but are encouraged to stick around for the whole day, mingle, and meet other creatives during breaks between blocks, and enjoy the many (healthy) snacks and drinks we’ll have laying around for you.

BLOCK A: Modular Synth for Absolute Beginners

Taught by Paul Stillwell (Toronto Sound Festival, Frequency Freaks) and Heidi Chan (“Bachelard,” Moog)

11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Modular Synth for Absolute Beginners explores the basics of synthesis 101 with Paul Stillwell and Heidi Chan, two experts in the Toronto and North American modular synth scene. Learn about the difference between analogue and digital sound, converting CV to midi, what CV and midi mean, different types of modules and their functions, the basic building blocks required to get started building your own synthesizer and making music with it, and the possibilities within the world of modular synth. This event will feature a small “petting zoo” of various modular and semi-modular synths for curious hands and ears.

BLOCK B: Sonification: Turning Data Into Sound

Taught by Jack Jamieson (Faculty of Information, University of Toronto) and Tom Auger (Art & Science)

1:30 - 3:00 p.m.

Learn how to create sonic and musical works from raw data. Jack will show us how to use the E-Rhythms Sonifier, which he developed in collaboration with Dr. Jeff Boase at the University of Toronto, as well as other sonification software. These tools allow any time-coded data set-- this could be data generated by you or downloaded from one of the many open data initiatives around the world-- to be transformed into sound. This technique allows us to sense and interpret data in new ways and allows our ears to identify patterns and points of interest that might be missed when data is displayed in visual form. Tom will speak on his sonification device

BLOCK C: TouchDesigner For Beginners

Taught by Karl Skene (Untitled, Format) and Aljumaine Gayle (OCAD)

3:30 - 5:30 p.m.

TouchDesinger makes it possible to fluidly convert data between various formats in real time including audio, video, 3D geometry, and input from sensors. In this presentation, Karl Skene and Aljumaine Gayle will demonstrate some ways to work with audio in TouchDesigner using examples from their own work and that of others. As this will not be a step-by-step tutorial, it is not necessary for participants to have TouchDesigner installed. Resources and example files will be provided for users to check out at their own pace after the presentation.

The Goal

The goal of Sound of Data Symposium is to have new creators who are curious about data, analog music, and visualization to come together and learn how to combine their interests. The hope is that attendees will leave with new connections to other creatives, new ideas, and new knowledge on sonification, data visualization, and modular synthesizers, and possibly even some new friends and connections with whom new projects and ideas will be made.

Accessibility Information

The venue is located on the second floor at 110 Bond Street on Ryerson Campus at the Ryerson Music Den. It is accessible via an elevator, and has single stall. gender-neutral washrooms available.

About the Organizers

Sonja (Biblioteka Records)

Sonja is a DJ, experimental hardware musician, writer, editor, and speaker based in Toronto. She is the founder and organizer of independent electronic record label Biblioteka Records, an independent record label focused on highlighting and releasing the less common works of experimental, ambient, and avant garde producers and recording artists. Created in 2017, Biblioteka Records now has over 10 artists in over eight different cities, two vinyl releases, and dozens of singles in its repertoire. Sonja is a Polaris Prize juror, a member of the Junos Awards Electronic Album of the Year Committee, and a member of the Toronto Music Advisory Council. She also co-organizes Earbuds, a monthly music education workshop series, alongside Solidarity in Sound and Epilogue Audio Recording and Processing Studio.

John Shiga (Ryerson University)

John Shiga is an Associate Professor in the School of Professional Communication (ProCom) at Ryerson University where he teaches cross-cultural communication and science communication and conducts research on sound, technology and the environment. Based in the Faculty of Communication & Design, ProCom offers undergraduate and graduate programs that integrate critical thinking, research, and creative technology to address complex communication issues in organizations, industries and communities.

The Music Den (FCAD, Ryerson University)

Based at Ryerson University's Faculty of Communication and Design, the Music Den develops economic, artistic and social opportunities for entrepreneurs in music. Led by a steering committee of the top music and media executives in the country, the Music Den offers entrepreneurs unique business advice, working partnerships and industry mentorship. The program helps them design a sustainable long term strategy while giving them access coworking space, equipment, pitch competitions, showcase opportunities, and a unique community of like-minded entrepreneurs.

Design work by Stacey Sexton