Whispers from the Land of Fire and Ice

For those familiar with the myNoise project, you know I’m drawn to capturing unique sounds in the wild when I can. I aim to make one trip a year, and this time, I finally set out to Iceland, a destination that has been on my list for a long time.

Many visitors to myNoise come for white noises. While true white noise is synthetic, nature provides its own, more organic versions—sounds that have a complexity, a blend of subtle nuances, that make them a better choice for long listening sessions. Iceland, with its endless wind, geothermal wonders, flowing rivers, powerful waterfalls, and wild ocean, is a treasure trove for these kinds of sounds.

Our journey began in Hveragerði, a small town in southwestern Iceland known for its geothermal activity. Hver is the Icelandic term for a hot spring, giving Hveragerði its name—“Hot Spring Field.” We arrived just before sunset and couldn't resist hiking the surrounding hills. To our delight, mud pots and steam vents were only a short walk away, and we returned to dinner with a full set of recordings—more than enough to build an entire noise generator in one evening!

I mention dinner because something special happened that evening—a short story worth telling. Our server, Jón, was from the area, and when I asked him about nearby spots for sound recordings, he was more than happy to share his thoughts. As we talked, I realized Jón was no stranger to white noise; in fact, he often used it during his day job at the office. But the real surprise came when he pulled out his phone to show me his app of choice—it was myNoise! Seeing my own work being used by someone right in front of me was a delightful shock. Inspired, I promised Jón that I’d create a new generator using the sounds of the unique boiling mud pots above his town. And here it is—a soundscape dedicated to him, a tribute to the natural wonders around Hveragerði.

Imagine a soundscape that radiates warmth, as if the sounds themselves could convey a sense of temperature. I encourage you to take a moment to explore each sound from the sliders individually; each one is enchanting and truly comes alive when experienced through high-quality headphones. The continuous bubbling and soft waves create a harmonious mix that is both steady and lively, making it an excellent choice for a noise blocker that you can enjoy for long periods without losing interest.

If you find joy in the idea of being transported by sound to various locations around the globe, I would greatly appreciate your support. Your help will allow me to travel once a year, or more, to capture new and unique sounds for myNoise. Contribute to the project by making a donation.

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