In the late 1960s, Irv Teibel, a pioneering field recordist, began a journey that would change how many perceive sound. Known for his meticulously engineered nature soundscapes, featuring serene beaches and dramatic thunderstorms, he billed his work as ‘the most sensuous recordings ever made.’ Over five decades later, Teibel’s legacy is seeing a revival among Angelenos seeking solace from the stresses of contemporary life through sound therapy.
Teibel’s recordings, prominently represented by the unique ‘environments’ series, continue to attract attention from a contemporary audience. Those who have spent time crate digging may have stumbled upon albums adorned with calm natural imagery. Instead of traditional artist names, they simply bear the title ‘environments,’ with tracks bearing curious names such as ‘The Psychologically Ultimate Seashore.’ This innovative work by the ArtCenter College of Design alumnus captured the sounds of various ecosystems, from Brighton Beach’s waves to the buzzing life in Georgia’s Okefenokee Swamp.
Jonathan Een Newton, an East Coast musician who has worked on reviving interest in Teibel’s catalog, shared his views on the significance of Teibel’s contributions. While he acknowledges that Teibel might not achieve the same recognition as a contemporary like Brian Eno, he believes that Teibel’s ideas hold immense importance in today’s artistic landscape. Newton recalls how the ‘environments’ series sold tens of thousands of records annually at the height of its popularity in the late 60s and 70s. He remarked, ‘I think people are hungry for this kind of thing, always. Immersive sound… probably appealing to people now more than ever, just given how stressful the modern world is.’
Teibel’s recordings have emerged as a form of art not just for enjoyment but also for healing. His iconic piece, ‘Dawn at New Hope, Pennsylvania,’ predates the current trend of hour-long YouTube videos featuring rainfall and apps that loop soothing sounds. The revival of Teibel’s work has also found its way into the practices of experimental musicians and local DJs. Mark ‘Frosty’ McNeill, the founder of Dublab, a Los Angeles-based radio station, described these records as ‘sonic seasoning’ that are still indispensable tools for modern DJs and producers, adding layers to ambient and experimental sets.
Under his label, Syntonic Research, Teibel sought to use his recordings as a form of sonic therapy, aiming to positively influence psychological states. Collin Davis, an audio engineer at Stones Throw Records, elaborated on this perspective, stating, ‘As human beings we are designed to have that [natural sound] in the background. And it’s only in the last couple of hundred years that that’s been totally absent.’ Davis discussed how found sounds and field recordings can significantly benefit mental health, offering a soothing, grounding experience amid urban chaos.
What set Teibel apart from other field recordists was his approach to sound engineering. He didn’t simply capture sounds; he “hyper-engineered” them to elevate the listening experience. According to Davis, Teibel’s meticulous post-production work involved EQ, compression, and sometimes pitch-shifting to create what could be described as ‘realer than real’ soundscapes. After discovering a record from the ‘environments’ series at a local shop, Davis, along with his partner Brittany Bueno, found themselves collecting the entire series.
Bueno, a psychotherapist trained in trauma-informed care, incorporates soundscapes similar to Teibel’s in her practice. She has observed that such field recordings can help her clients become more grounded and present, as they introduce a natural sound that imposes no narrative. Inspired by Teibel’s influence, Bueno and Davis recently launched their own label called ‘Evidence Based Music.’ This venture aims to create compositions informed by scientific research on soundscapes and therapeutic tones, supported by their respective backgrounds in music and mental health.
They believe that the soothing sounds of the ‘environments’ recordings are particularly effective in countering the noise of urban Los Angeles. ‘These records are often the first ones we reach for in the morning to tune out the sounds of the city,’ Bueno shared.
The revival and accessibility of Teibel’s ‘environments’ soundscapes are evident today, available across various formats including YouTube and Spotify. As people navigate the demands of daily life, these recordings serve as a powerful tool for relaxation and mental well-being. A testament on the back cover of one of the original albums captures this sentiment perfectly: ‘Haven’t felt this good since my vacation.’
To celebrate this legacy and the therapeutic power of sound, Bueno and Davis will lead a listening session featuring the ‘environments’ recordings at 5 p.m. on Saturday, May 24, at the Philosophical Research Society in Los Angeles. For anyone looking to chill and change their auditory environment, this event promises to be a soothing retreat into the world of sound.
image source from：https://laist.com/news/los-angeles-activities/environments-albums-irv-teibel-psychotherapy
