A COLLABORATIVE POST WITH Boom Box Post

Fourth of July is right around the corner! Patriotism aside, the Fourth always brings back special memories from over the years. With the day quickly approaching, it felt like the perfect opportunity to put together a sound design sketch that captures the magic of this holiday, as I fondly remember it in childhood. Riding my bike from backyard to backyard, I’d crash my neighbors’ pool parties and barbecues. A cacophony of sparklers, poppers, sizzling food, splashing, screaming filled the afternoon air. The transition from afternoon to evening was always a magical experience. As the distant booms became louder and louder, the anticipation grew for the “big” fireworks to begin; whether you were catching a professional show or just hoping a neighbor brought “illegal” ones.

Below you’ll find two 4th of July sketches: A daytime and an evening. I started by brainstorming a list of sounds based on my childhood experiences and combined them to hopefully immerse you in a soundscape that brings you nostalgia as well!

Sounds like The fourth of July: day

  • birdsongs

  • sizzling barbecue

  • bbq tongs, glassware clinking

  • swimming pool splashing, lapping

  • children laughing, screaming

  • lawn games

  • bottles & cans opening

 

Sounds like The fourth of july: evening

  • distant echoeing firework booms

  • close-up street fireworks

  • sparklers

  • cheering, ooing, awing

  • police/firetruck sirens

  • dogs barking

  • distant Car alarms

  • crickets chirping

 

I had a lot of fun with this exercise! I hope you enjoyed these soundscapes. Have a wonderful Fourth of July and be safe!

Which sounds remind you of this holiday? Let us know in the comments

If you enjoyed this blog, check out these:
Sound Effects Gathering: A Field Recording Guide
Found Audio: Build Up Your Sound Effect Library with On The Fly iPhone Recordings
Sounds Like Summer

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