We already know researcher, broadcaster and writer, Jacinta Parsons, is a great talker and listener. Now, she’s inviting us to listen intently to the beautiful, clanging hum of the city surrounding us.

Ahead of Wake Up With Design: The Sounds of Our City With Jacinta Parsons, we caught up with Jacinta to hear more about her work.

 

What first drew you to radio?

I began presenting radio shows in my bedroom when I was eight years old. I would use our family ghetto blaster and record answers from my imaginary guests (Bob Hawke was one) and then perform the questions live in front of my family. I worked at the Rooftop Cafe above RRR in Fitzroy in the 90s and dreamed of one day being one of the broadcasters that I would serve coffee to. When I was growing up, radio was on in our home from morning until night. It took until I was recovering from a serious illness for me to pluck up the courage to knock on the door at RRR – but once I did, I found my home.

Why is deep listening of interest for you?

I have realised the incredible transformation that deep listening provides – to my mood, my spirit, and the deep love of my built environment. Listening through the layers of the city you uncover sounds that have always been there but perhaps haven’t noticed.

How do you think our urban environment shapes the way we listen?

We are habituated to block out the sounds of our urban environment. But when we tune in, we realise how specific our city sounds. Like our favourite piece of architecture, the sounds of our city are recognisable and specific to us in Melbourne.

What is something that you at the start of every day?

I walk to work through the city. Past MPavilion – on my way to the ABC. I love walking through the different streets and choose a different route each time.

What sounds do you associate most with Melbourne?

The tram dang as they travel through the tributaries of our city. But it’s also the sound of the metal wheels running across the tracks, the squeal as the number one turns the corner at the National Gallery on its way to South Melbourne.

What’s your favourite building in Melbourne?

My favourite building in Melbourne is … that’s a hard question … I think the state library is my favourite building.

How do you hope audiences will feel after your session at MPavilion?

I hope audiences feel a deeper connection to our city and their relationship to its music.