Birds chirping in the forest, waves crashing in the ocean, and the sound of thunderstorms have always held a special place in the human experience. Not only do these natural sounds benefit our mental health and wellbeing, but they also played a significant role in the evolution of human-made music. Recognizing this connection, the Museum for the United Nations has partnered with Spotify for an initiative called Sounds Right, which aims to give Nature the recognition it deserves as an artist.
To celebrate Earth Day, Sounds Right has collaborated with renowned artists from around the world to create a playlist called “Feat. NATURE.” This unique playlist combines beloved tracks with captivating nature sounds. For example, in Brian Eno’s remix of David Bowie’s “Get Real,” animal howls are seamlessly integrated into the song. Eno describes the animals invading the song as if they have sprung leaks everywhere, adding a threatening yet captivating element to the music.
Eno sees this project as a way to give back to nature and preserve its original source of inspiration. He believes that music originated from the sounds of the natural world and that Sounds Right provides a system to return something to the places where ideas were taken. By supporting conservation efforts, Sounds Right ensures that nature can continue to inspire us for years to come.
In addition to the “Feat. NATURE” playlist, Sounds Right offers ambient nature symphonies for those who prefer soothing sounds. Playlists like “Tropical Rain Sounds” and “Seascape Symphony” allow listeners to immerse themselves in the calming ambiance of nature. For podcast enthusiasts, there are playlists such as “Food For Thought,” “Money Talks,” and “Cut Food Waste,” featuring episodes dedicated to climate solutions.
But where does the revenue generated from these playlists go? Sounds Right is committed to donating at least 60 percent of royalties from ambient nature tracks and at least 50 percent of revenues from “Feat. NATURE” tracks to biodiversity conservation and restoration projects. To ensure transparency and accountability, the funds will be collected by the U.S. and UK-registered charity EarthPercent. The distribution of funds will be determined by a panel of Indigenous Peoples, scientists, conservation experts, and environmental activists who make up the Sounds Right Expert Advisory Panel.
The panel has already identified key areas for support, with a focus on biodiversity and endemism. Some of the regions that will receive priority attention are Madagascar and the Indian Ocean Islands, the Atlantic Forest, and the Philippines. These areas have been recognized as significant in terms of their biodiversity and are in need of conservation efforts.
Sounds Right not only contributes to climate action but also challenges the discourse surrounding the environmental impact of streaming. By giving nature credit and revenue for its symphonies and sounds, this initiative transforms music streaming into a meaningful way to support the environment. It adds to the growing argument that granting legal and creative rights to nature is essential for restoring our relationship with the natural world.
In conclusion, Sounds Right and Spotify’s collaboration recognizes nature’s role as an artist and aims to give back through royalties and donations to biodiversity conservation projects. By combining music with nature sounds and supporting climate-focused podcasts, this initiative provides a unique and impactful way for individuals to engage with and contribute to environmental preservation. Through their efforts, Sounds Right emphasizes the importance of valuing and protecting nature, ultimately fostering a deeper connection between humans and the natural world.
