Soundings: Jeff Green's Visionary Radio Sci-Fi Universe
Did You Know? The series was recorded using binaural audio technology for immersive 3D soundscapes!
Ottawa's Answer to Twilight Zone
Produced from 1985-1989 by multimedia artist Jeff Green, Soundings delivered mind-bending science fiction through CBC Radio and international broadcasts. This indie production stood out for its:
- Cinematic binaural sound design (recorded with Neumann KU-81i dummy head microphone)
- 45-minute episodes designed for perfect cassette recording
- Cyberpunk comedy (Spaxter series) alongside psychological horror
- Original music by Charles Fairfield and Ian Tamblyn
- International acclaim from NPR to Australia's ABC
🎙️ Behind the Scenes:
"We recorded 'Spaxter' in an empty swimming pool for natural reverb. The actors wore roller skates during chase scenes to create Doppler effects."
- Jeff Green, 1986 interview
"The 'Somebody Talking To You' cassettes were actual customized mixtapes we mailed to listeners who wrote in."
- Sound engineer Charles Fairfield
Dive Into the Soundscape
🔮 "Spaxter" Preview:
SPAXTER: "The meld in my head was buzzing like a hornet's nest. Osiris wasn't just another two-bit pharaoh wannabe - he'd bought the actual Great Pyramid."
LOUELLA: "So let me get this straight... you're going to stop a god by throwing a cocktail party?"
(Sound: Pyramid door grinding open with alien hum)
Complete Soundings Collection
📻 All Episodes (Chronological Order)
🏆 Award-Winning Radio
- 2x ACTRA Best Radio Program (1988, 1989)
- NY Festivals Silver Medal (1990)
- Mark Time Award for Best Sci-Fi Audio
- ASFSFA Hall of Fame for "Spaxter"
Which obscure radio gem should we spotlight next?
The Hitchhiker? The Vanishing Point? Email your requests