Below is the press release for an event in Indonesia that I recently created a soundscape for. The event is being put on by Azanaya, who won a ‘Best of 2010’ award in ‘Time Out magazine – Jakarta’ and I’m very proud to have had the opportunity to work with such forward-thinking, and creative people. While talking to Lisa Virgiano, of Azanaya, I got such a huge sense of her desire to create events that are unique and innovative. We seem to be living in times where these qualities are taking centre stage once again, making our times very exciting indeed. Some people only see the problems we are currently going through so it’s refreshing to be part of a process that focuses on people and innovation; these are the people that I aim to reach with my work.

This event was interesting to me for a number of reasons, but the chance to work on a soundscape conceptually really gets my brain working, which I love! The soundscape I created uses sound to help evoke sensory memory and ties in the philosophies and heritage of the Rendang method of cooking. Rendang cooking is an important tradition of the Minang people of Sumatra, Indonesia. The different ingredients symbolise the various factions of their culture and the various types of Rendang dish are used ceremonially in important events.

Well, that’s enough from me; have a read below and if you will be in Jakarta on 4th August, 2012 get in touch with Azanaya here. I’ll publish my soundscape and talk a little about it after the event.

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“Baralek Rendang is inspired by the manifestation of the Indonesian cuisine heritage, Rendang, which has been ranked as the most delicious food in the world by CNNGO (September, 2011). We dedicate this event to all food lovers who would like to engage in a mind-opening gastronomical experience by inducing their senses through touch, sight, taste, smell, and even sound, in the setting of communal dining.

The event is something different and a breakthrough because for the first time in Asia, a combination of sound design, aromatic spices, and the experience of flavor will be used to enhance the dining experience. A conceptual sound manifesto to bring out the philosophy of Rendang as an Indonesian cuisine heritage has been created by talented UK sound designer Jay Harris; the participants are not only stimulated through sight, smell, and taste, but it is also a great chance to experience how sound can be delicious and food can be harmonious!

Baralek Rendang Concept:
Baralek means colossal banquet in the Minang language..

Many don’t really comprehend that Rendang holds an exceptional position in a particular Baralek celebration; it is an honorable representation of a host’s hospitality.

And Rendang is NOT a noun. It is actually a verb!

Rendang is a process of cooking, not merely a food. It is an elaborate and elegant cooking process that involves intense labour, craftsmanship, an understanding of fine spices, and perfect timing. Rendang is not only made from beef shanks; it can be made from different ingredients, such as forest leaves, mussels, black glutinous rice, eggs, chicken, exotic jack fruit, and many more. A proper understanding of Rendang as a cooking process should be ensured through fun and interactive presentation, taste education, and games. That’s why we initiated Baralek Rendang, to promote this understanding.

We will guide guests to another magical dining experience through a provocative and delectable Rendang sensation. An exploration of flavours, heritage values, and exotic ingredients are involved to make sure the event delivers the utmost local flavour to all guests.

Baralek Rendang will not only feature different varieties of Rendang from Minangkabau but will also present a fun sensory game for all guests in which they will deduce which ingredients are being used in the menu. An installation of fresh ingredients will be displayed for all guests to see, smell, taste, and touch, while listening. Later on, they will be given an opportunity to specify which ingredients are being used in the menu. The guest who produces the highest score will win a fabulous prize.”

Those readers that are in Jakarta should definitely check out this fantastic event!

A Soundscape will contribute towards your event being an unforgettable experience.  It could also be used to enhance your sensory branding to ensure that guests will think of you after they have left your event. Contact me for further information and read about past projects below.

If my work in soundscape for events, sound design for film or composing interests you join my mailing list to find out more.