Capturing the Sound of Change: GSM’s Journey to Xiongxian

In March 2018, the Global Sound Movement (GSM) embarked on an extraordinary mission to Xiongxian, China—a region on the cusp of dramatic transformation under President Xi Jinping’s ambitious “Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei integration plan,” also known as the "Jing-Jin-Ji" project. 

This trip was more than just a recording session. It was a race against time to preserve the traditional music of a community on the brink of relocation and redevelopment. The stakes were high, and the importance of GSM’s work was deeply felt by everyone involved.

The Setting: A Community in Transition
Xiongxian, once a vibrant hub of cultural and musical tradition, was preparing for a massive redevelopment that would see its residents relocated and its lands repurposed. The local musicians, many of whom had spent their entire lives performing in the area, faced the possibility of losing not just their homes but also the essence of their musical roots.

This poignant backdrop gave GSM’s mission an added sense of urgency: to record the traditional sounds of Xiongxian before the inevitable changes swept through the region.

The Recording: Music for the Buddha
The GSM team’s journey began with an ensemble performance of “Music for the Buddha,” featuring 22 talented local musicians. The group played in an outdoor setting, with the natural environment providing a unique yet challenging backdrop for the session.

To capture the rich sounds of the ensemble, the team employed advanced recording techniques. They used AKG 414 microphones for the front sound, Audio Technica 4040s for the rear, and connected everything to a Zoom H6 recorder equipped with an XY capsule. The setup ensured that every note and nuance was preserved with clarity and authenticity.

Challenges and Community Spirit
Recording outdoors brought its fair share of challenges, including ambient noise from the surroundings. However, the spirit of the local community shone through when, during the session, a nearby funeral was temporarily paused to allow the musicians to record without disruption. This incredible gesture underscored the villagers’ deep understanding of the project’s cultural importance.

Preserving a Legacy
This session in Xiongxian was more than a technical achievement—it was a heartfelt effort to preserve the rich cultural heritage of a region in flux. GSM’s recordings will ensure that future generations can experience the sounds and spirit of Xiongxian, even as the physical landscape undergoes irreversible change.