On August 30th 2024, 'We Are Biophonica' was launched out into the world. For the album, Peter Raeburn collaborated with Martyn Stewart and the Biophonica team. In this conversation, we learn more about the journey they went on together, how it all began and how this beautiful collaboration has transformed them both. Wind back to over a year ago and a serendipitous meeting in London at the Platoon offices. Pete shares that moment and how an unplanned meeting, all about nature sounds and their creative potential, sparked a profound and unique partnership. Peter Raeburn’s music tenderly enfolds the splendor of Martyn's natural sounds, unifying them into one harmonious symphonic form that traces a lifecycle from infancy to slumber. ‘We Are Biophonica’ reminds us that we are all intertwined as part of nature’s orchestra and underscores our guiding truth – humanity resides within nature, and we will find connection and peace within ourselves once we learn to cherish its embrace and protect our home. We delve into the concept and meaning of each track and the overarching philosophy of living in harmony with nature. The episode culminates in a powerful narrative about the emotional experiences derived from merging soundscapes, particularly the transition from the terrestrial to the oceanic realm. Through evocative storytelling, we confront the awe-inspiring and humbling power of nature while advocating for a greater appreciation of our environment. Amidst discussions on global crises, we emphasize the often-overlooked plight of animals and the essential role humans play in both creating and solving these issues. Join us for an episode that promises not only to entertain but also to inspire a renewed sense of responsibility towards our planet.

Have you ever felt the profound beauty and sorrow that nature's soundscapes can evoke? Join us in a heartfelt conversation with Martyn Stewart from A Life in Sound and composer Peter Hall as they talk about their new collaboration through The Listening Planet's creative imprint, Biophonica, called Loved & Lost. ‘Loved and Lost’ is a heartfelt tribute to the beauty of our natural world and a poignant reflection on its fragility and potential degradation. Each track is a narrative, echoing the intricate connections within ecosystems, the delicate balance that sustains them plus a subtle, yet powerful commentary on the looming threats of environmental degradation and climate change. ​This album is ultimately a love letter, but one that also expresses profound grief. Nature is our greatest healer, and she urgently needs our love to be restored to health. Peter shares his journey of connecting deeply with the oceanic world through music. Discover how he blends melodies with natural soundscapes to authentically portray the interconnectedness of nature and humanity, reflecting the grief and loss caused by environmental degradation. Prepare to be moved as we aim to foster a genuine emotional connection and highlight the urgent need for environmental awareness and action. Explore the powerful intersection of music and activism in our discussion on how soundscapes and melodies convey potent messages. From personal grief to shared environmental concerns, we delve into the emotional layers embedded in music, emphasizing the importance of authenticity and a mission larger than personal gain. Their conversation underscores the collaborative effort to raise awareness about the planet's struggles, particularly the ocean's plight, and the importance of creating music that not only touches hearts but also inspires action. Together they discuss the complex interplay between public awareness, cultural perceptions, and activism, and emphasize the need for empathy and self-love. From the irony of chasing material wealth at the expense of environmental health to the simple joys that nature provides, we encourage our listeners to immerse themselves in the natural world. Tune in to the "Listening Planet" podcast and join us in fostering a deeper appreciation for the environment and a stronger commitment to protecting it.

Join us for another 'A Life in Sound' - Biophonica Beats special with Martyn Stewart and Rapper, DJ, Zoologist, Musician, Presenter| Reconnecting diaspora to 🌿| BBC Creator in Residence NHU | Musician Louis VI. Together, Louis and Martyn worked on his track Orange Skies as part of the United Nations Live 'Sounds Right' initiative where Nature was officially launched as an artist, Earth Day 2024. https://open.spotify.com/track/5g2SGvTGdCwTtu37KJskwr Join them in conversation at they journey through the fascinating world of natural soundscapes, the fragile beauty of endangered species and how this all informs Louis' music. We kick things off with a remarkable story about capturing the elusive calls of the mountain chicken frog, and we explore the unexpected joys and challenges of field recording. Discover the irreplaceable value of audio archives housing over 100,000 files, each one a sonic treasure from a rapidly changing world. Sound is a powerful barometer of our planet's health, and this episode underscores the deep emotional connections we have with natural audio. We reveal how modern life has created a disconnect between society and nature, emphasizing the importance of reintroducing these sounds to younger generations. Dive into the unique intersection of music and nature, where genres like hip-hop and rap are used as tools to raise awareness about climate change and biodiversity loss, conveying powerful messages that resonate on a personal level. As we immerse ourselves in the meticulous process of capturing untouched natural sounds, you'll gain insights into the impacts of human activities such as noise pollution on animal communication. From ants to elephants, we discuss the innovative efforts to bridge interspecies communication, featuring projects like Project SETI. Reflect on the meditative experience of field recording and the stories these sounds tell about environmental destruction, from deforestation to forest fires. By the end of this episode, you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the beauty of natural soundscapes and our collective responsibility to protect them.

How do serendipitous beginnings lead to stunning collaborations? Join us as we sit down with Martyn Stewart from A Life in Sound and singer/song-writer/ musician Robert Shields, also known as ONR. From the very first Zoom call, they bonded over a shared passion for Scotland, a connection rooted deeply in Martyn’s family history and countless visits. This episode takes you through the enchanted landscapes of Scotland that inspired their collaboration and ultimately Robert's musical journey, offering a glimpse into the personal stories that breathe life into our Scottish soundscapes. We dive into the making of an album inspired by the breathtaking Solway Firth, a place near and dear to Martyn’s heart. Hear firsthand how they approached composing music organically, blending natural environment recordings with heartfelt melodies. This isn’t just about the technicalities of creating music; it's about the emotion and personal significance that each note carries. Discover the unique creative process that shaped our tracks, including the exciting incorporation of Peregrine Falcon sounds into an upbeat composition. Finally, we reflect on how working on this project transformed Martyn and Rober, both as artists and individuals. The profound sense of history and beauty found in places like Culloden and Glencoe didn’t just influence the music; it deepened their respect and love for Scotland. We invite you to listen and let the symphony of nature accompany you in your own explorations, offering a heartfelt thank you for being part of this remarkable journey. Tune in and let the landscapes of Scotland inspire you as much as they have inspired us.