Science and Industry Museum X Reform: Sounds of the Industrial City

We have collaborated with the Science and Industry Museum, where a group of young people created soundscapes inspired by the industrial sounds of Manchester. ​
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They listened to the sounds of historic machinery, in the Textiles Gallery, which once filled Manchester’s factories. Then they recorded sounds from the city’s current and developing industries. Creating the soundscapes you can listen to below:

Soundscape A

Modern Manchester
by Dale, 2022

The sounds of a workers commute in the present day.

Listen to the weekend walk to work along John Dalton Street in central Manchester. The streets are alive with shoppers, the roads busy with buses and commuters.

Soundscape B

Footsteps of Change
by Zuri, 2022

This recording was inspired by the Industrial Revolution. It was the first time human behaviour began significantly changing the landscape and ultimately beginning the climate crisis we now live in.

The story begins with sounds reminiscent of the nature Manchester was once home to. Then the ominous footsteps of humans signals the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Soundscape C

Manchester’s Music Industry
by Jaden, 2022

Inspired by the sounds of creatives repurposing derelict industrial buildings to create the now renowned Manchester music industry.

Listen out for throwbacks to Manchester’s musical past and discover the sounds of its future.

Soundscape D

We are still losing our hearing
by Jesús, 2022

Curious about the impact of noise on workers’ health and their rights during the Industrial Revolution. This knowledge drew parallels to problems experienced in present times.

This recording highlights workplace caused hearing loss. It’s a problem which occurred in the Industrial Revolution and persists as an issue for workers in the music industry today.

Soundscape E

Wheels of Change
by Omar, 2022

Focusing on the transport workers used to get to work.

Starting with the sounds of trains in the Industrial Revolution and progressing to the sounds of commuters moving across Manchester in present times.

Soundscape F

Machine Made
by Ffion, 2022

Interested in the evolution of technological innovations the workers of Manchester have experienced.

Discover the sounds of what would have been cutting edge in the mills. Then progress to some familiar sounds of the technology which fills our workplaces and homes.