[instrumental music]
[horn honking]
Twenty-five, thirty
thirty-five, forty
forty-one, forty-two.
Parkinson, make it 42.
The noise in Times Square deprives us
of 42 percent of our hearing.
[siren wailing]
Stop the phonograph player.
[traffic bustling]
[chiming]
[no audio]
Hm?
What are you listening to?
I'm not listening to anything.
Nothing?
Right. These are for hearing nothing.
So, how much longer is this gonna take, man?
Look, I thought I was paying you to soundproof
my apartment or something.
It's a B-flat.
- What is? - Your heating unit.
That's a shitty radiator.
You do hear the noise though, right?
Your problem is your heating unit.
When paired with the low tones produced
by your kitchen appliances, the note emitted
from your radiator is contributing
to your...anxiety.
- Really? - Mm-hm.
[instrumental music]
Call this number next Tuesday afternoon
if you have any other issues.
[upbeat music]
[instrumental music]
Hello, you've reached the answering machine
of Peter Lucian.
If I've given you my number, you've dialed it correctly
but at the wrong time.
Please briefly describe your situation
and leave a telephone number.
[answering machine beeps]
Hey, Peter. This is Brian Mosden, down in Tribeca.
Listen..
...you know, I was a little skeptical at first
uh, but I honestly haven't slept this well in months.
Thank you for whatever you did to my blender.
[beeps]
Hi. I got your number from my friend Alex.
I'm looking to set up an appointment for..
...well, whatever you did for Alex.
He and his girlfriend are getting along
great right now.
My number is 6-4-6-2-4-0-0-0-8.
[recorder whirring]
The radiator is contributing to your anxiety.
You do hear the noise though, right?
It's a B-flat.
- What is? - Your heating unit.
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[birds chirping]
Field test. Central Park.
G Major.
[jazz music]
[chiming]
[mellow music]
[jazz music]
[drill whirring]
[instrumental music]
You're punctual.
I'm actually early.
- I guess you're Peter? - I am.
I'm Ellen. Do you wanna go inside?
Actually, I would prefer to ask you some questions
outside the apartment first before we enter.
Oh. Okay.
You wanna have a seat?
Uh, it's helpful for me if I record this
if you don't mind.
Sure, that's fine.
This is a lot more formal than I expected.
I -- I've found that when clients talk
about their homes when inside them
they, they tend to speak less directly about the issue.
Right, it can be difficult to talk about
a relationship problem, in this case, your apartment
with the, the partner present.
Never thought about it that way.
So, to begin..
...you describe to me your person.
My person?
Yourself.
Oh, like, um, say my name
introduce myself, like that kinda thing?
As you wish.
Um, well, my name is Ellen Chasen.
- I am from Ohio. - Mm-hm.
But now I live in New York.
Perhaps, uh, you could describe your issue to me now.
I, um, I am always tired.
Exhausted, actually.
By the time I get to the office in the morning
I'm tired again.
And where do you work?
Um, I work at a non-profit
um, for low-income families.
It's in Midtown.
- And do you walk to work? - Yeah.
I get to help people every day
so, watching them
they, they get to start their lives over
I get to see that.
- It's nice. - No, no.
I, I asked, "Do you walk to work?"
Oh, uh, sorry.
Um...no.
It would be, like, 40 blocks.
[door opens]
I'll need an extended period of time in each room.
Specifically, kitchen, bathroom, bedroom.
- Yeah, it's no problem. - Mm-hm.
Can I get you some water or anything?
Actually, I need it just like this.
No additional sounds.
- No additional appliances. - Oh.
No, thank you.
[recorder buzzing]
[humming]
Kitchen.
[water splattering]
Faucet.
[blender whirring]
Faucet and blender.
[whirring stops]
[faucet squeaks]
[door opens]
Refrigerator.
Three hundred and ninety.
[cell phone vibrating]
Hillary.
We're right around the corner.
Hi, yeah, sorry, I -- I can't talk
'cause I have, uh, company right now.
Do you have a man over there with you?
No, that's not why.
Yeah. Okay, I'll see you later.
Okay. Bye.
Sorry.
So, at this point, I'll need to go into your bedroom
if that's alright with you, Ellen. Yeah?
I typically save this visit for last
since it is the most personal, but hopefully, you feel
a little more comfortable with me by now?
Of course. By all means.
Can I watch?
Mm.
Mind if I lie down?
Is that typical?
You mentioned over the phone that you're having trouble
sleeping at night.
- Is that right? - Yes.
[sighs]
It helps me if I recreate your morning routine
as closely as possible.
Would you say you're a side sleeper?
- No. - No.
[sighs]
I'll have to review my materials to be certain
but I think your problem is in the kitchen.
Do you eat bagels every morning?
Uh -- uh, no.
S -- sometimes, but usually toast.
- Mm-hm. - With some fruit.
Okay. I think you need a new toaster.
That should do it.
I noticed your toaster produces an E-flat.
And your refrigerator hums
at a clear G.
Now, the foundation note
is a subtle but convincing C
throughout the entire apartment.
Here.
[mouth organ music]
You hear that? Hm?
That mechanical sound?
Or, uh, perhaps it's -- it's wind patterns
on the East Side.
It's remarkably consistent.
Well...anyway
a new toaster should solve your problems.
You really think it's that simple?
Technically, your refrigerator is a perfect fifth.
And the minor third created by your toaster
combined with the tonic from your neighborhood
and, uh, you've got a depression.
So, I'll have a new model sent over. Soon.
But we should talk in the next few days.
Yes, of course.
Alright.
[instrumental music]
[drill whirring]
[indistinct chatter]
[music continues]
[sighs]
[wings fluttering]
[cars horn blaring]
[siren wailing]
[indistinct radio chatter]
[operatic singing]
[audience cheering]
[siren wailing]
[horn blaring]
[instrumental music]
He loves this old shit.
- I think it's nice. - It is nice.
Everything in here is really nice.
Hm.
Maybe I should just move to Brooklyn.
- Wanna swap apartments? - Don't yell.
- Cleo's still napping. - Sorry.
I know, it's nice, it's great.
But sometimes it's a little weird living there.
Apartment's a little big.
And I still get Patrick's mail.
I hate that.
Anyway, it's cheap. So, why should I leave?
Right.
Here's to rent-stabilized apartments.
- Shit! - Oh, here, let me get you a --
- No, it's okay. - Let me get you a --
I'll -- I'll -- I'll grab a towel.
There's some towels on the counter there.
Okay.
[music continues]
Why is everything unplugged?
- Oh. - Yeah.
- That's Landon's latest phobia. - Phobia?
He's afraid the apartment will catch fire
when we're not at home.
Or when we're asleep.
Or when we're eating dinner.
- Or when we're having sex. - Okay.
It's not a phobia, it's a safeguard.
So, you just leave it all unplugged?
Spontaneous electrical fires
are way more common than you think, okay?
Especially in cities.
I read about them all the time.
It's his OCD.
So, where are you reading about this?
The internet.
So, how'd it go with that house tuner
we set you up with anyway?
- And Landon loves that guy. - I love that guy.
Yeah, it was, um, it was a little weird.
- Weird how? - Why? Is he a creep?
No, no, no, no. Not creepy at all. At all.
Although, he did lay on my bed.
- That sounds creepy. - But not in a creepy way.
Not.. He's not a creep.
He was actually very polite, and very professional.
He told me that, um, I need to get a new toaster.
- What? - Why is that so funny?
Maybe that -- maybe that's helpful.
It sounds ridiculous, but he was talking to me about
the tonic of my neighborhood
and how my refrigerator is contributing
to this oppressive chord.
- Yeah. - What?
Yeah, that's his thing. Right?
Here, look. This is from "Talk Of The Town."
"According to Peter Lucian, the silence is full of sound
"as his practice offers solutions
"for depression, anxiety, fatigue
"all of which are triggered by the sonic details
"of our homes, he explains.
"After an impromptu tour of the converted
Cold War-era fallout shelter he calls home.."
This guy's so fucking cool.
"Lucian points out the meticulous labels
"attached to each appliance
bearing notes and musical chords."
Weird, but kind of sexy.
- Is he single? - Are you serious?
Only you would find that sexy, by the way.
So, what do you think? You gonna give it a whirl?
I'm fine. Really.
I mean, I think all this therapy is just too much.
- It's not for me. - Really?
I just need to find
a way to get some rest.
When Landon was training for his marathon last fall
he found a great acupuncture place in Greenpoint.
That was for my IT band.
Yeah. That's what I'm saying.
So, maybe it's worth taking a look at.
But that's.. Those are different things.
Yeah, but acupuncture.
[creaking]
[operatic singing]
[singing continues]
[wings fluttering]
[singing continues]
[chiming]
[singing continues]
[creaking]
Do you think it's a problem?
I'll see what I can do.
Uh, go on. Robert is waiting for you in the study.
[instrumental music]
My data is supported. Maybe they just can't comprehend it.
It's all good feedback, Peter.
I encourage my students to ask tough questions
in the critique sessions.
I think they're maybe caught up a little bit in your..
...in your lack of formalities.
But I'm close, though.
And you understand the significance.
Listen, I've read it.
Don't rush yourself. This work takes time. Years.
Well, it's been years.
This is a universal law that I've discovered
and the scientific community needs to know about it.
You know, there's a trap in science
that I talk to my students about.
One always sees exactly what one's looking for
not because it's there
but because one desperately wants to believe
that it's there.
Are you saying my research is faulty?
No!
I'm just cautioning you not to make it too personal
perhaps even obsessive.
One must be obsessive in this field of ours
but we have to be careful of too much, um
faith...in our own ideas.
Excuse me. Sorry to interrupt.
Peter, this is Samuel Diaz, my TA.
I'm advising him on his thesis.
So, are you still thinking of leaving academia?
- Formally, yes. - Mm-hm.
Uh, I need to get my student loans paid off.
Mm-hm.
[instrumental music]
I thought your research was really fascinating.
- Me? - Yes.
Thank you.
They pick everything apart.
Anyone without a Ph.D. gets run through the gauntlet.
I could, if you'd like
uh, refer you to some standard guidelines
for formatting and publishing.
Or perhaps Peter could be a person to talk to
about that lab position that, uh, you're after.
[instrumental music]
Welcome back to "The New American Journal
of Sound Radio Hour."
I'm your host, Dr. Elizabeth Brookings.
On today's show, we're discussing the feature story
from our latest issue about new findings concerning
the "Windsor Hum."
And how does this all relate
to the apartment tunings you conduct?
Are you familiar with the concept of a macro-scope?
You mean a very big microscope?
Um, it's a way of seeing things that are larger
so, in this case, it's a way of seeing patterns.
Once the predominant harmonies are determined..
...they're translated here.
So, all of this, in a sense, is a macro-scope.
Typically..
...I know the solution to a client's issues
before I even arrive.
And it always works?
D, F, A.
D minor.
- That's amazing. - You read music?
I took piano lessons when I was a kid.
- You did? - Uh-huh.
How's your pitch? Sam?
How's your pitch?
Decent.
Uh, my graduate work was
on, uh, cochlear neurons in mice.
I love the ear.
Mm..
[laughs]
[water splattering]
You've reached the answering machine of Peter Lucian.
If I've given you my number, you've dialed it correctly
but at the wrong time.
Please briefly describe your situation
and leave a telephone number.
[machine beeps]
Hey, Peter.
Uh, it's Ellen Chasen.
I know, I know we didn't have a call scheduled.
I'm not sure how this works.
I guess, maybe you call me back, or, um,
thank you for, for coming over.
Uh, God, this, this probably sounds so strange.
I don't want you to think that I'm calling you
because I'm crazy or lonely, or..
I got the toaster.
Um, and I -- I'm just wondering
if there's anything else
I could be doing, you know?
And when I can expect
the prescription to work, or..
...I'll see a change.
Okay, thanks. Bye.
[instrumental music]
Anyway, a new toaster should solve your problems.
You really think it's that simple?
[tape recorder whirring]
Your refrigerator hums in a clear G.
Now, the foundation of..
[tape recorder whirring]
Have you remodeled recently? Put in any major changes?
Uh, no, just minor stuff.
I mean, no, uh, new coats of paint
or, um, redecorating or anything like that
if that's what you mean.
That's what I mean.
How would you describe your place?
My place?
Yeah, your apartment.
Perhaps we should go upstairs now.
Field test recordings.
Financial District.
D minor.
Confident. Reckless.
Carnegie Hall.
[tuning forks chimes]
E minor. Calm, precise.
Lower East Side.
[tuning fork chimes]
A-flat. Dissonant.
Grand Central Station. Off peak.
[tuning fork chimes]
B minor.
[chuckles]
Gentle, patient.
[bustling]
[instrumental music]
Welcome to Sensory Holdings.
Please select an atmosphere while you wait.
[beeps]
Desert air.
Oops. He-he!
[indistinct chatter]
And you must be the house tuner.
- Peter. - Har -- Harold Carlyle.
Uh, we're really glad you finally accepted our invitation.
Your assistant mentioned potential for financing
my research.
Of course, of course.
The -- the recent "New Yorker" article
really piqued my interest.
So, uh, my assistant pulled materials
for our meeting.
And it turns out, we've actually used
some of your designs.
How do you mean?
Well, the Echo Decay Timer.
I understand, at least I heard
it was born in the basement of the Met.
Well, I had a position in the Preservation Department.
Was maintaining period instruments
for musical performances
to be historically accurate, and..
I mean, we've significantly upgraded the device
in the last decade, but the EDT-1 was..
It was a cornerstone for concert recording.
It was never intended for that purpose, so..
Oh. Well, excuse me. I, um..
What was it for, then?
I was studying harmonic resonance.
And the manufacturer retained my patent
in exchange for custom fabrication.
But I never wanted it to be marketed for the public.
Well, it was a revolutionary product.
Tool.
"Tool." Of course.
I no longer engage with outside fabricators.
Well, our clients
are Fortune 500 creatures.
You're more of a provider for houses, right?
Homes.
"Bespoke domesticity."
That's what friends of mine call it.
But really, that's what we're interested in.
The market is changing, and we want
to cater our products
to our customer's private lives.
I -- I'm offering you an opportunity, Peter.
Uh...how is Equilibrium delivered?
Well, it's wall colors, fragrances, soundscapes.
And our technologies allow our specialists
to survey entire homes virtually.
Virtually?
Well, I mean, it's, uh, currently just
a web chat, but, honestly, you know..
The virtual component isn't bulletproof
but the clients love it.
Our technologies, and our muscle
could give you a chance
to create an entire atmosphere.
Yes, i -- imagine the ability to influence like that.
I think that I've had a very positive influence
on the lives of my clients.
[metal clanking]
We bought the matching set when we moved in.
I thought you lived alone.
I do. I -- I do, yeah.
This is a very long time ago.
Mm-hm.
Didn't think it mattered.
It shouldn't.
So, you've been using this every morning?
Every morning.
[sighs]
You've got a problem here.
What do you mean?
Mm, your feelings continue?
Yes, my, um, my feelings continue.
[sighs]
Perhaps I should visit your work.
Really?
To understand what you're doing that might be
conflicting with the results.
Does anyone have to be there?
Well, ideally it would be in the morning.
But I could visit in the afternoon
then try to replicate a morning scenario.
It's just, it's a very unusual thing
to have to explain.
You know, I -- I -- I like to keep things
at my job kind of --
Discreet. I understand.
Um, maybe I could come by next week?
Okay.
[instrumental music]
[sighs]
What does red mean?
It's just an anomaly.
Does it affect the research?
Of course not.
Good.
Because I already notified "The Journal"
to expect your submission.
Can I help you with that?
No.
You know, I was actually thinking that I could process
the tapes a lot faster with the university servers.
Uh, our computers there are very efficient.
Well, everything here works just fine.
Yes, but it would
help speed up the workflow
and save me a lot of time
because obviously, I'm still looking
for a full-time position elsewhere.
Beyond publishing, I -- I think there'll be
a lot of other applications.
You know, once people understand the patterns
and, uh, the influences
you can do so much with this.
- How do you mean? - I don't know.
Well, I -- I..
Well, I guess, urban design, architecture
home products.
This is about universal constants
not commerce.
I -- I'm sorry. I just..
[instrumental music]
- Stick out your tongue. - My tongue? Really?
I can see things on your tongue that can help me.
Do you exercise regularly?
Sometimes.
Okay.
You can go to the Blue Room now.
Uh, yeah, where should -- where should I change?
[sitar music]
[gulps]
How long do I have to keep these in for?
The feeling is deep
but the needles are not.
Okay, but..
Thirty, sometimes sixty minutes.
[sighs]
[sitar music]
[buzzing]
[indistinct chatter]
[door squeaking]
[door lock clacks]
[device chiming]
Please select an atmosphere for your ride.
[beeps]
Ocean Breeze.
Budget surplus over 130K.
That's really great, you guys..
The bad news is, we still have to tend
with the mayor's office.
I know, I know. It is bullshit..
Feel free to have a seat.
Ellen's just wrapping up.
[fax machine whirring]
[static]
Sorry. I'm a little late. My meeting went long.
[Ellen sighs]
Is everything okay?
Honestly, I don't normally work in offices.
There's just so much..
[sighs]
So, I think I got a good sense of this space.
Um, well, you know, I..
I actually cleared my afternoon
so, maybe we can, uh, go somewhere
and -- and discuss this further?
Yeah, well, I know someplace close.
[piano music]
More hot water, Peter?
Ah, yes. Certainly.
Thank you, Albert.
Yes, thank you.
You've really constructed a unique little world
for yourself in the city, haven't you?
I've lived here for over a decade
and I don't know
I still feel like there's so much
that's unfamiliar to me.
Like, someone else built it up.
He was very organized about things.
The matching nightstands.
He always had an idea or an opinion
about everything.
It was nice, you know?
To not have to make choices for myself.
It sounds silly, but..
...I remember after he was gone..
...the remote felt so odd in my hand, like..
...I didn't know what any of the buttons were for.
Sorry, that's probably way too personal.
It's fine.
What about you?
I'm very consumed with my work.
Actually, I'm, I'm publishing a piece on human behavior..
...how sound influences
the way that people connect with each other.
Well, I mean, you obviously have a, a calling.
You know, just to see you study
and observe, the way that you do.
I'm a little envious, honestly.
Did you study science?
No.
Music Theory.
So, I learned by dissection
how a piece of music works, what are its parts.
You know Bach, the composer Bach?
His ability to trick our ears
into believing that we're hearing
multiple instruments from a single violin.
Or Stravinsky...and his dissonance
designed to alienate an audience
or, or Beethoven, this use of suspense
and...delayed gratification.
But all of these composers were using neurological techniques
that scientists hadn't even defined yet.
And once I understood that
and, um..
...how their music functioned
um, I guess I just went on from there.
To tuning people's apartments?
[chuckles]
Yes. Yes, but no.
I.. It's, um..
It's the influence of sound.
The power it has over people's lives..
Hm...they may not even know it, you know.
Yeah, it's, um, so complex.
- I'm intrigued. - Hm.
I have a very, very close friend
who's a neuroscientist at Columbia.
And his students are reviewing my findings next week
in a group session.
It's very informal.
And if you're interested in learning more, um..
I don't know.
[whirring]
[train chugging]
[tuning forks chiming]
[instrumental music]
[recorder whirring]
Battery Park City, F major.
[tuning forks chiming]
Complacency.
[music continues]
[tuning forks chiming]
So, how do you feel in the morning?
Um...unmotivated..
...irritated.
[whirring]
I thought you lived alone.
I do. I -- I do, yeah.
This was a...very long time ago.
Didn't think it mattered.
It shouldn't.
[recorder whirring]
Your feelings continue?
Yes, my, um, my feelings continue.
[instrumental music]
[buzzing]
[static]
Hello, you've reached the answering machine
of Peter Lucian. If I've given you my..
Hello?
Can I help you?
No, he's not in right now.
But I can take a message.
Sensory Holdings, you said?
Uh, I -- I'm Sam.
Yes, I work with him.
[traffic bustling]
Are you Peter's colleague?
- Ellen. - Hi.
- Upper East Side.
C scale, with an E flat toaster problem.
Oh.
I'd like to think I have better qualities
than that to describe me.
So, did Peter tune your apartment?
We're working on it.
You mean it didn't work?
Well, Ellen's entire soundscape
points to a specific trigger in her apartment.
Um, but...there is, there is distraction.
So, I've had trouble locating the specific trigger.
Well, that's interesting.
You make it sound so complicated.
- It is complicated. - No, no.
I think what your friend is saying, Peter
is that you make it sound too complicated.
But, however, knowing Peter, I'm sure he could show you a diagram
on the whole G major theory.
- That's right. - It's a pleasure to meet you.
- And you're welcome here. Yeah. - Thank you so much.
He told me you two were old friends.
She was, um, just interested in seeing the group.
- Oh. - And my discovery.
Oh, well, it'll be good to have an outside perspective on this.
- Mm-hm. - Listen.
Unfortunately, we had to postpone your review
until the next session.
Um...I'm sorry.
[glass clinking]
In preparation of Andrew's thesis defense
we're gonna be workshopping..
Alright, this is me. Wish me luck.
- Should we, um.. - Yeah.
Before I forget, there's something I wanted to give you.
Oh.
It will help.
It's something I've been working on.
So you just plug it into an available outlet.
It emits a wash.
Uh, preferably one that doesn't share a circuit
with a microwave or a hair dryer.
Okay.
- You want me to hold it? - No, it's fine.
I'll just stick it in my purse.
So, I'm excited to hear more about this G major theory.
Hm.
And additional analysis suggests that
uh, incorrect analysis of interactions
are even more common.
Your honors from Columbia are very impressive.
Thank you.
And your work with Peter Lucian
did you accompany him on his house calls?
No.
But we've been working especially hard
on consolidating his data on the city as a whole.
Samuel Diaz.
It's a pleasure to meet you in person.
- I'm Harold. - Very nice to meet you, Harold.
Uh, you know, we're big admirers of Peter here.
We were actually just discussing the new work
he and Sam are doing.
- Oh? - Uh..
- Well, it's Peter's discovery. - Mm-hm.
Uh, I assume he discussed the urban sound patterns with you?
Um, have there been any updates?
Well, uh, yes, actually.
It's -- it's, it's very, very exciting.
[switch clicks]
[instrumental music]
My biggest client project to date.
So, these beams...reach true ground.
What's true ground?
Oh, it means they reach all the way down to the earth.
It's a hard thing to come by in New York City
but we designed these so they'd make contact with bedrock.
And what's the point of that?
Well...grounding current is really the only way
to achieve true electrical silence.
That sounds like a total luxury in this city.
Oh, well, the future tenant is an electrophysiologist.
And he takes true ground and silence very seriously.
- Sounds nice, true silence. - Mm-hm.
And so expensive.
Well, I guess expense is relative
to perceived value...right?
Please don't tell me you're gonna make me
ground my apartment.
No.
Look at all that.
You see the order?
In the city?
Well, yeah. I mean, the grid, right?
And it -- it's flawed at points
but there are all these connections.
Light going from red to green. Walk, don't walk.
Instructions, right?
But what I've found..
...is that there's something deeper at work.
Um...an invisible system, but powerful, nonetheless
sounds, that, in a sense
guide people through the city.
- Hm. - Yeah?
I mean, they're not conscious of it, but it's there.
And it's different in all parts of the city.
Hm.
In the Financial District, it's the key of D minor.
And it's frenetic, it's fast-paced..
...reckless.
And then, Lower East Side is A flat
once you get, um...below the dissonance.
[tuning fork chiming]
And Central Park is predominantly G major.
It's where I made my first discovery.
It's the sound of nostalgia.
It's calm..
...idyllic, lyrical.
Field test 14, Central Park, G major.
[tuning fork chiming]
[chiming continues]
So, each part of the city has a different chord?
Well, every part of the city
has its own instructive atmosphere.
It's impossible to disconnect the sound
from the collective state of mind. It a..
It affects the people. You understand?
Oh, but I, I don't see the world that way.
I mean, it.. That's so rigid.
I mean, if I'm Downtown
I'm not destined to feel frenetic.
I can choose to react to that and feel peaceful.
I can choose to protect myself.
It's not about seeing anything.
It's -- it's about acknowledging what already exists.
Like gravity, or light. These are just universal laws.
- Right -- - And listen.
These are, these are rules that define our world.
Why does it have to be this permanent thing
that controls us?
Why...do people act the way they do?
Why do people feel the way they do?
- There's a reason. - Because they're people.
They can. They choose to feel.
But -- but there are rules guiding their behavior
that they can't see.
There is an order here.
Now, it's complex because we live in an old city.
And the patterns are so complicated
but it's, it's been written and rewritten
but it's there. It's been there for years.
I -- I don't feel like my life is written by anything.
I feel like I make choices all the time.
Uh-huh. Well, okay.
Your apartment, C minor. It's a mundane key.
It's -- it's the sound of resignation.
Okay, well, I don't feel that way.
And that resignation causes your restlessness.
And there are unseen forces that are governing your choices.
What about you?
You're the only person who's not affected by any of it?
I'm not immune. No one is.
Okay, so then, how do you trust yourself?
Because I can hear it.
Because you can hear it?
[scoffs]
I'm gonna go. Just.. It's late, so..
[mellow music]
The program of the Noise Abatement Commission
consists of a series of noise measurements
to be made in different parts of the city
at typical places..
...and centers of popular interest.
Among these measurements
will be made tests of the deafening effect of the noise.
I hold the receiver against the microphone
instead of against my ear.
Now, I increase the intensity of the test tone
until you can hear it.
[siren wailing]
[rattling]
How much longer is he gonna be here?
I have to get up early for work.
I think he's almost done.
[clatters]
Hey, are you almost done?
It's almost midnight.
So, um..
[distant ringing]
That ringing..
Baby, come on. Get him out of here.
I'm sorry, I just need to take a few more readings
and I can handle the rest in my office.
I just need one more minute.
One more minute.
You know what?
Don't worry about it, we can figure it out from here.
[instrumental music]
[beeping]
[beeps]
Mr. Jajinsky.
Um, I couldn't access your apartment
for our 4:00 p.m. appointment.
Please call me to reschedule at your earliest convenience.
[music continues]
If Sam showed Sensory my work
then they have all of it.
- He wouldn't do that, Peter. - Oh, fuck!
And you can't fault him for taking a formal job.
It's a good opportunity.
They're my competition. It's theft.
I wouldn't paint it so starkly. I mean..
They're marketers. you're a explorer.
Look, they can't take credit for my discovery
if I publish it first.
We put so much emphasis on sound
and thus, overlook the value of those moments
in between the noise.
And let this remind us that silence is not empty
but immeasurably full.
[applauding]
[indistinct chatter]
[exhales]
Enjoy your evening.
- Dr. Brookings. - Hello.
It's Peter Lucian.
Hi, nice to meet you.
Thank you so much for your talk.
It was fascinating. And for your contributions to the field.
You know, I've been reading "The New American"
for just about as long as you've had the editorship.
That's very kind. Um, thank you so much for coming tonight.
I'm sorry, but I really must go. Uh, please enjoy your evening.
Well, actually, um
I recently submitted a piece for "The Journal."
I know these things take time
but I just thought I would inquire since I'm here.
What did you say your name was?
Peter Lucian.
Um...I made a discovery
identifying sound patterns in the city.
And your work...was just a huge inspiration for me.
I, uh..
I honestly didn't think we'd have a chance to talk.
Oh. Thank you.
No, I didn't think you were serious, Mr. Lucian.
I must say, your methods are, um, most unusual.
H -- have you seriously been researching these --
Sound patterns. Yes.
They are principles that steer our behavior.
I mean, it's -- it's -- it's verified.
It's based off of multiple field recordings.
Oh, I'm sure you believe in this.
Listen..
...perhaps you could submit it for peer review.
Yes, yes. Uh, I'll tell you what.
Um, we will, uh, give it a closer look
and we'll send you a proper, uh, response letter.
- Alright. Alright. - Okay? Alright? Alright.
Pleasure meeting you.
- It's nice to meet you. - Take care.
[high-pitched ringing]
[train chugging]
[traffic bustling]
Tuning your world so you can live
and work in harmony.
[instrumental music]
New York is a symphony of sounds.
And our experts have identified the musical keys to the city.
Introducing Urban Equilibrium.
A bespoke service designed to balance your sonic expe..
Oh, no.
Tuning your world, so you can live
and work in harmony.
New York is a symphony of sound..
[high-pitched ringing]
Have you remodeled recently? Did any major changes?
Uh..
No, just minor stuff.
I mean, no, um, new coats of paint
or, um, redecorating or anything like that
if that's what you mean.
[sighs]
Something has happened..
...that you're avoiding. What is it?
[tape whirring]
No, just minor stuff.
I mean, no, um, new coats of paint
or, um, redecorating or anything like that
if that's what you mean.
That's what I mean.
How do you feel in the morning?
How does this change make you feel?
Unmotivated.
Irritated. Heavy.
[sniffles]
So cliche.
[groans]
[tape whirrs]
And do you walk to work?
Yeah, I get to help people every day, so, watching them..
They -- they get to start their lives over, I get to see that.
It's nice.
[tape whirrs]
Do you know what it is?
Yeah, pretty much, I..
Once it's there, it's there.
You know, I can't shake it.
[tape whirrs]
I don't feel like my life is written by anything.
I feel like I make choices all the time.
What about you?
How do you trust yourself?
[tape whirrs]
What about you? How would you describe your place?
- My place? - Yeah, your apartment.
[high-pitched ringing]
[thunder rumbling]
[instrumental music]
[whirring]
[thunder rumbling]
[tuning fork chiming]
[groaning]
[chiming continues]
[indistinct chatter]
[dramatic music]
Jesus, watch where you're going.
[mumbles]
[clatters]
[instrumental music]
[clattering]
[thunder rumbling]
[high-pitched ringing]
[siren blaring]
Correctly, but at the wrong time.
Please briefly describe your situation
and leave a telephone number.
[answering machine beeps]
Hey...Peter. It's me.
Remember me?
Um...look, I -- I just wanted to call you
and say sorry for the way things ended.
I've had some good weeks
and I just wanted to tell you that...you were right.
You were right about this place.
I needed to change something.
I just needed to get rid of some old things..
...stop surrounding myself with the past.
I just decided to...be easy about it.
You could do that, too, Peter.
If you want.
I know it's your work to, uh
help people solve their problems
but the way that you see the world around you..
...I think that you miss out on connecting yourself.
Actually...I'm so tired of people telling me
what they think I should be doing, so..
...you do what you want.
[thunder rumbling]
[high-pitched ringing]
[chair creaks]
[sighs]
[rumbling continues]
[mellow music]
[vocalization]
[music continues]
[vocalization continues]
[music continues]
[vocalization continues]
[music continues]
[vocalization continues]
[sighs]
Here.
I called you.
I listened.
[vocalization continues]
[music continues]
[soft chuckle]
[chuckles]
[music continues]
[thunder rumbling]
Mm.
[instrumental music]
[tuning fork chiming]
[instrumental music]
[music continues]
[instrumental music]
[music continues]