---
title: "Of Signals and Systems with Nolan Lem (Sound Researcher and Auditory Artist)"

description: "Nolan Lem’s work has been featured internationally at venues such as the Museum of Modern Art Buenos Aires, Pioneer Works , L’HOSTE Art Contemporain , and the Danish National Museum of Music. He has participated in a number of residencies, including IRCAM, MassMoCA, Cité Internationale des Arts, and the Bemis Center for Contemporary Arts. Nolan joins us to explore his fascinating work with interactive sound systems and sonic machinery. Drawing from his unique background in saxophone performance, electrical engineering, and computer music, Nolan shares how he creates immersive audio-visual environments that bring together technology, sound, and systems thinking. From his time at Stanford's CCRMA to his current research at Chalmers University, discover how Nolan's innovative approach is pushing the boundaries of contemporary sound art."

status: complete

date: 2025-01-21

kind: guest

guestSlugs:
  - nolan-lem

listenUrl: "https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/lovemusicmore/episodes/Of-Signals-and-Systems-with-Nolan-Lem-Sound-Researcher-and-Auditory-Artist-e2tm7iq"

lmwUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RaUmk4oSd4"
appleUrl: "https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/of-signals-and-systems-with-nolan-lem/id1567355195?i=1000684817382&uo=4"
spotifyUrl: "https://open.spotify.com/episode/0AKauUvulHQikPfbgkLkrG"
youtubeUrl: "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dZ032jIJVKY"

topicsDiscussed:
  - "Jazz"
  - "Spatial audio"
  - "Analog"
  - "Interactive sound systems"
  - "Sonic machinery"
  - "Electrical engineering meets music"
  - "Experimental audio composition"
  - "Teaching and academic journey"
  - "Auditory perception research"
  - "Sonification of data"

hostNote: |
  In this episode of Love Music More, we are thrilled to welcome **Nolan Lem**, a sound researcher and auditory artist whose work offers fresh insights into the interplay between sound and technology. Nolan's unique journey spans jazz performance, electrical engineering, and sound art, opening the door to new sonic experiences that challenge our understanding of music and sound production. Prepare to delve into his innovative approach to immersive audio-visual environments and how he melds artistic expression with technical expertise.
  
  We explore how sound can influence perception and create emotional memories, and how Nolan's journey from jazz performance through electrical engineering to sound art research informs the work he's doing now.

selectedMoments:
  - label: "Nolan's diverse background"
    startSec: 183
    note: "Nolan discusses his unique combination of music and technical skills."
  - label: "The foundation of his love for jazz"
    startSec: 258
    note: "Nolan reflects on his early passion for jazz music."
  - label: "Transition to professional music"
    startSec: 349
    note: "Nolan explains his journey from university to touring professionally."
  - label: "Importance of engineering in music"
    startSec: 509
    note: "He describes how electrical engineering complements his music career."
  - label: "Exploring auditory textures"
    startSec: 1005
    note: "Nolan talks about how we perceive sounds and textures."
  - label: "Physical computing and sound art"
    startSec: 674
    note: "He shares insights on creating sound through physical interactions."
  - label: "Binaural sound experiences"
    startSec: 2148
    note: "Nolan elaborates on the complexities of producing binaural audio."
  - label: "Challenges in sound design"
    startSec: 2556
    note: "He speaks about the challenges and joys of working with kinetic sounds."
  - label: "The emotional connection to sound"
    startSec: 2476
    note: "Nolan discusses how sound evokes emotional responses in audiences."
  - label: "The essence of music and presence"
    startSec: 3448
    note: "He shares his core belief about music bringing us into the moment."

excerptQuotes:
  - text: "I’ve always been a huge jazz fan, I mean I still am; I actually still play. It's always been a huge passion, so I went to jazz school..."
    startSec: 257
    reviewed: true
  - text: "From a young age, I really wanted to play saxophone or drums. I chose saxophone..."
    startSec: 255
    reviewed: true
  - text: "I stayed in Miami for a year after [music school] and was just playing gigs..."
    startSec: 348
    reviewed: true
  - text: "It was kind of a nice balance between exploring intellectual curiosities with things that I could relate to a future in music..."
    startSec: 514
    reviewed: true
  - text: "Most of my work that I make now that deals with sound... sound is produced purely just mechanically..."
    startSec: 918
    reviewed: true
  - text: "There's a lot of trust and a lot of art to the sonification..."
    startSec: 1565
    reviewed: true

faq:
  - question: "What does Nolan Lem do as a sound researcher?"
    answer: "Nolan Lem specializes in creating immersive audio-visual environments, combining technology and sound research to explore new auditory experiences."
  - question: "How does Nolan Lem integrate engineering and music?"
    answer: "Nolan uses his background in electrical engineering to inform his approach to sound art, allowing him to create complex sound systems and interactive pieces."
  - question: "Why is improvisation important to Nolan's work?"
    answer: "Nolan emphasizes improvisation as a core aspect of his musical journey, reflecting its significance in both jazz and experimental music."

transcriptPublished: false

draft: false
---