Chongqing - Luo Jun's title at the Meishi Film Academy of Chongqing University is that of an associate professor. However, beyond the classroom, he is recognized as a passionate sound enthusiast or, more fittingly, a sound explorer.
Luo Jun, an associate professor at the Meishi Film Academy of Chongqing University, is a sound enthusiast. (Photo/Liu Li)
"Listen closely; can you hear it? The wind rustling through the treetops carries a symphony of subtle sounds. Beyond the familiar chirping of birds lies an intricate world of auditory wonders," Luo Jun reflected, standing amidst the grove near Chongqing University's playground. Wearing specialized headphones designed to capture even the faintest of sounds, he lost himself in the gentle rhythm of the wind rustling the leaves.
In the world of sound, it's often the subtlest notes that stand out most. Luo's keen ears can discern the faintest whispers: the soft shuffle of sports shoes on a rubber track or the muted creak of footsteps on scattered pebbles. Luo's passion for sound has been unwavering for over a decade, leading him to accumulate a catalog of more than a hundred thousand unique auditory experiences.
His collection boasts sounds like the bold notes of the suona horn from Jiangjin, Chongqing, the mesmerizing ballads from ancient villages in Yunnan, and even the quiet stillness of snowfall on Changbai Mountain. For Luo, each sound is a gem, whether it's the melodies of birds, the gentle touch of a breeze, or the distant laughter of students playing in the distance.
Luo Jun has been a veritable enthusiast, recording over a hundred thousand different sounds over the past decade. (Photo provided to iChongqing and Bridging News)
Both natural and cultural acoustics captivate Luo, stirring reflection and introspection within him. "In moments of quiet, the true symphony of a place emerges," Luo observes. He's convinced that the heartbeat of a city reveals itself in its soundscape, be it the vibrant pulse of daytime or the gentle murmurs of nighttime.
Yet, capturing that perfect sound can sometimes be a challenge. That's why Luo always has a portable recorder at his side—a reliable ally that journeys with him through the city's winding streets and concealed byways. This device captures the unique sounds he discovers, archiving them for potential inclusion in future film endeavors.
Investing over ten months in a passion project, Luo painstakingly created the inaugural sound map of Chinese universities, specifically for Chongqing University. This map showcases a plethora of auditory gems—from the resonant chime of bells to the enchanting croaks of frogs near the campus lake and the subtle footsteps within the library's quiet corridors. Now, thanks to the digital age, alumni can relive the iconic sounds of their alma mater online, reawakening cherished college memories.
Natural and cultural sounds both attract Luo Jun, he thinks people can feel the vitality of a city through sound. (Photo provided to iChongqing and Bridging News)
Luo's sonic collection has garnered significant demand, drawing interest from a wide array of sectors, including German television broadcasters, film studios, electric vehicle makers, therapeutic environments, and diverse applications. Immersing himself in Chongqing's rich historical soundscape, Luo felt a pang of sorrow as he noticed some traditional sounds fading, overshadowed by the city's brisk modernization. This insight fueled a renewed purpose: establishing his China Geographic Information Database, an archive preserving regional sounds, especially those nearing silence.
"Every time a familiar local dialect reaches my ears, it transports me back to days spent with my grandmother. I'm committed to ensuring that these invaluable sounds are not lost to time," Luo fervently states. He holds a steadfast belief that sound serves as a conduit, capturing the mysteries of the natural world and safeguarding the shared auditory heritage of humanity.
