Sound Studies and Sonic Arts Reader 2

"Sound in Artistic Research " explores what happens when listening itself becomes a form of research. International artists and scholars explore sound as an independent form of knowledge, combining artistic practice, theoretical reflection, and social critique.

The essays range from Arctic sonar to web cookies. They examine scientific measurement methods, digital surveillance, and the auditory perception of public spaces. They also address migration, decolonial listening practices, corporeality, and feminist care ethics. In this way, the volume demonstrates how sound can make hidden political, social, and technological connections tangible.

Listening as Artistic Research

What counts as knowledge? Who is allowed to produce it? And whose experiences go unheard? The authors do not provide a single, unified answer to these questions. Rather, they deliberately bring together a variety of perspectives. Some contributions fundamentally question whether art can even be studied. Others develop concrete methods for a pluralistic, embodied, and responsible form of knowledge.

The focus, therefore, is not solely on sound itself. Equally important are the situations, relationships, and power dynamics in which we listen. This volume views listening as an active practice. It can generate attention, forge connections, and challenge established notions of knowledge.

An Archive of International Sound Studies

"Sound in Artistic Research " grew out of the public lecture series "Artistic Research in Sound." These lectures took place as part of the master’s program in Sound Studies and Sonic Arts at the Berlin University of the Arts. Since its inception, this unique program has combined sound art practice with theoretical work. It admitted its final cohort in early 2026.

This volume preserves key discussions from the program while also building upon them. All contributions underwent a scholarly peer-review process. The German Research Foundation (DFG) funded the publication as part of the project “The Sonic Real.”

The book is intended for sound artists, musicians, researchers, and students. It also appeals to anyone interested in sound studies, musicology, media studies, and contemporary art. It invites readers to listen more closely—and, in doing so, to take a fresh look at research, knowledge, and our shared present.

The book will be released on October 31 and is already available for pre-order.