The Soundtrack of Resilience: How ‘Jetty’ Signals a New Wave of Climate-Focused Art
Over $50 billion has been spent on coastal resilience projects in the US since Hurricane Sandy in 2012, yet the emotional and cultural recovery often lags behind the infrastructural. Sam Fleischner’s documentary, Jetty, chronicling the Rockaway Beach reconstruction, isn’t just a film; it’s a sonic and visual testament to that lingering process. And now, with a soundtrack crafted by Geologist and Deakin of Animal Collective, that testament has a pulse, offering a blueprint for how art can amplify and contextualize the realities of climate change adaptation.
Beyond the Waves: The Rise of Climate-Conscious Soundscapes
The pairing of Fleischner and Animal Collective’s experimental duo is far from accidental. Fleischner’s history directing music videos for artists like Panda Bear, MGMT, and Santigold demonstrates a keen understanding of how visuals and sound can intertwine to create immersive experiences. But Jetty represents a shift – a move beyond aesthetic exploration towards a deliberate engagement with environmental storytelling. This isn’t simply a soundtrack *to* a documentary; it’s an extension of its narrative, a sonic landscape mirroring the beach’s physical and emotional rebuilding.
This project taps into a growing trend: artists increasingly using their work to address the climate crisis. From immersive installations depicting rising sea levels to musical compositions incorporating field recordings of endangered ecosystems, the creative response to climate change is diversifying. The Jetty soundtrack stands out because it’s deeply rooted in a specific place and a specific recovery effort, grounding the abstract threat of climate change in a tangible human story.
The Power of Ambient Storytelling
Geologist and Deakin’s approach to the soundtrack is particularly noteworthy. Rather than relying on bombastic scores or overtly emotional cues, they’ve crafted an ambient soundscape that’s both haunting and hopeful. The music doesn’t dictate how to feel about Rockaway’s recovery; it invites listeners to inhabit the space, to experience the subtle shifts in mood and atmosphere. This aligns with a broader trend in sound design – a move towards creating immersive sonic environments that prioritize emotional resonance over traditional narrative structures.
This approach is particularly effective in conveying the complexities of climate adaptation. Rebuilding after a disaster isn’t a linear process; it’s filled with setbacks, compromises, and moments of quiet resilience. The soundtrack reflects this ambiguity, offering a nuanced portrayal of a community grappling with loss and rebuilding its future. You can stream the full soundtrack now via Domino Records.
Vinyl’s Resurgence and the Demand for Tangible Climate Narratives
The decision to release the soundtrack on vinyl in April is also significant. While streaming dominates the music industry, vinyl sales have been steadily increasing for years, driven by a desire for a more tactile and immersive listening experience. This trend suggests a broader yearning for tangible connections to art and culture, particularly in an increasingly digital world.
In the context of climate change, this desire for tangibility may reflect a need to ground ourselves in the physical realities of the crisis. A vinyl record is a physical object, a reminder of the material world that’s being threatened by environmental degradation. The act of listening to the Jetty soundtrack on vinyl could be seen as a form of mindful engagement, a way to connect with the story of Rockaway Beach on a deeper, more visceral level. Learn more about the documentary here.
Looking Ahead: Art as a Catalyst for Climate Action
Jetty and its soundtrack aren’t just a reflection of the climate crisis; they’re a potential catalyst for action. By amplifying the stories of communities on the front lines of climate change, art can foster empathy, raise awareness, and inspire meaningful change. The success of this project could pave the way for more collaborations between artists, filmmakers, and environmental organizations, creating a powerful new wave of climate-focused storytelling.
The future of climate communication isn’t just about data and scientific reports; it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level. And that’s where art, in all its forms, has a crucial role to play. What role do you see for artists in addressing the climate crisis? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
