A while back I was asked to contribute some of my field recordings from the Sahara to a yet unannounced production. I signed an NDA so I was not able to mention it, but a few days ago I finally got the news! Africa Earth’s Wild Home will premier in October and I couldn’t be more excited.

I am very proud to have made a contribution to this groundbreaking project. From the press release: National Geographic is releasing what it believes to be the most ambitious natural history TV series ever made about the continent of Africa. Filmed over almost four years across nearly 30 countries, the series documents never-seen-before species and behaviours. Each episode focuses on the scientists, photographers and National Geographic Explorers behind the discoveries – while the final episode showcases rising conservation leaders, community-led initiatives and groundbreaking researchers.

Field recording tools of the trade

At the lower end of the price spectrum, field recording equipment will yield relatively similar results. A few dB of self noise won’t make a huge difference if the recordist hasn’t mastered the other tools of the trade, the ones that can’t be bought. Let’s examine some lesser known but rather more important tools that are sure to improve your field recording practice.

Introduction to Freestyle field recording

Freestyle field recording is a flexible approach to recording nature and wildlife sounds outside of the studio or any controlled environment, developed by George Vlad. While traditional methods are prescriptive and rigid, Freestyle field recording encourages deliberate experimentation and a very organic workflow.

Listening session at the House of Lords in Westminster

I recently received an invitation to play some of my soundscapes and to tell stories about conservation. While there’s nothing unusual about that, the setting was definitely novel for me.

A collection of Owl sounds

Owls are awesome and worth learning about. What better place to start than a curated selection of owl recordings, captured by your favourite wildlife sound recordist!