Hi, I’m Sarah! Welcome to Sounds of SLO—a website dedicated to capturing the auditory personality of San Luis Obispo, California. All field recordings have been recorded and mixed by me; and each photograph was shot and developed on black and white film.

Why sound? Sound is something often overlooked; something we take for granted. Stopping to listen to our environment brings us into presence with the spaces around us. From the crashing waves at Shell Beach to the music and chatter of farmers' market evenings, these recordings are more than ambient noise—they're memories, moods, and moments. My hope for them is that they can capture our current moment in time in SLO, what it feels like to be here now.

Art is an important community building tool; and I hope that these recordings give us all a unique appreciation for the place we are so lucky to be living in—connecting us through sound. Whether you’re a local, a former resident feeling nostalgic, or perhaps a curious listener tuning in from afar, I hope these audio snapshots offer a moment of pause, presence, and connection.

I have always had a passion for sound technology and music, so it was a privilege to be able to integrate that interest into my senior project. As a soon-to-be alum, capturing a moment in time and immortalizing aspects of the town I’ve come to love is a part of closing this chapter in my life. This sound archive is part artistic exploration, part emotional tribute—built not only to document SLO’s sound but to honor personal and collective stories tied to these spaces.

Thanks for reading, looking, and listening! I hope you enjoy.

Thank you! Happy Listening!