Artist Talks: Chris Hails
Welcome to our second episode of this series where we have conversations with the best nature listeners in the world.
In this episode, Chris Hails talks about his multi-faceted career as an ecologist and zoologist in Malaysia, an environmental advisor in Singapore and Conservationist in Switzerland. Nature field recording has been a practice for Chris since tape recorder days. He has a PhD in bird ecology, and his professional activities have led him to research, teach and advise, with the efforts of saving the environment.
We discuss why there is so much disconnection between people and Nature, ways to bridge this gap and be conscious about our own consumer patterns and the connection to politics.
As a staple in this series, we talk about being in nature, deep listening and being alone in the dark outside.
Find out more about Chris on his website.
Episode’s references:
Chris’ book Birds of Singapore
Tools for species ID:
Chris’ Website Wild Echoes
Literature and films mentioned:
The Singing Life of Birds. The Art and Science of Listening to Birds by Donald Kroodsma
Memoirs of a Birdman by Ludwig Koch
Wild Soundscapes: Discovering the Voice of the Natural World and The Great Animal Orchestra: Finding the Origins of Music in the World’s Wild Places by Bernie Krause
The Singing Planet, by Liz McKenzie
Earth.fm is a completely free streaming service of 700+ nature sounds from around the world, offering natural soundscapes and guided meditations for people who wish to listen to nature, relax, and become more connected.
Check out our recordings of nature ambience from sound recordists and artists spanning the globe, our thematic playlists of immersive soundscapes and our Wind Is the Original Radio podcast.
You can join the earth.fm family by signing up for our newsletter of weekly inspiration for your precious ears, or become a member and not only enjoy extra earth.fm features and goodies but help us grow new forests on our beloved planet.