How is something like this even possible? Traubeck’s “record player” uses light to interpret the color and texture variations of a tree’s rings into musical notes and instruments. While it may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, the actual technology behind it is nothing far-fetched or top secret.
A simple PlayStation eye camera and motor for the arm of the record player was all it really took. The data was first collected by the camera and then transferred to a computer. Using a program called Ableton Live, that data was interpreted into a piano track.
This video lets you listen in on what nature sounds like through Traubeck’s record player. If you think you would hear a bunch of crackling or other noises, you’re wrong. While these “songs” aren’t traditional harmonies and chords, it’s still eerily beautiful. It kind of reminds you of background music you would hear accompanying a scary movie during the silent movie days.