Techno's Influence on Car Sounds

author: FutureCar Staff    

Electric vehicles are revolutionizing the automotive industry, not only in terms of their environmental impact but also in how they sound. Car manufacturers are now looking to producers and sound designers to help them create innovative and unique sound palettes for their electric vehicles.

Techno music has long had a connection with cars, with artists like Juan Atkins and Gary Numan incorporating car themes into their music. Atkins, recording as Model 500, specifically linked the automobile industry, the fusion of man and machine, and techno production.

One of the main challenges with electric vehicles is their quietness. Without the noise of a combustion engine, EVs are almost silent, which can be a safety concern for pedestrians. Car companies have the freedom to create their own sounds for EVs, and some are getting creative. Instead of replicating traditional engine sounds, they are exploring new possibilities, including incorporating human voices and unconventional instruments like the didgeridoo. Electronic musicians are often at the forefront of this redefinition of car sounds.

Sound designers like Richard Devine have been instrumental in shaping the audio environments of electric vehicles. Devine has worked with Jaguar, using software like Kyma, Max/MSP, and Reaktor to design engine and interior sounds that combine real-time synthesis, resynthesis, and additive synthesis. His goal is to create a harmonious blend of the past and the future, with a signature sound that retains the essence of older Jaguar models while incorporating a futuristic touch.

Another example of collaboration between music and cars is the partnership between Japanese manufacturer Green Lord Motors (GLM) and Roland. Roland adapted its SuperNATURAL sound synthesis architecture, featured in their synthesizers, for GLM's Tommykaira ZZ electric car. The challenge was to match the change in sound with acceleration and speed, requiring a complete overhaul of the existing synthesis code to work in the car. The result is a traditional yet neo-futuristic audio environment inspired by both sports cars and space movies.

Car companies are shifting away from replicating the sounds of traditional engines and instead focusing on creating new soundscapes. Musicians like Jean-Michel Jarre have collaborated with Renault to develop sounds that are described as "caring" and "friendly." Car companies also recognize the impact of vehicle sounds on urban spaces and are striving to create environments that are more embracing of humanity.

With the advancement of electric vehicles, customization is becoming more prevalent. Drivers can personalize their interior sounds, similar to creating a personal playlist. Richard Devine, for example, has already started experimenting with creating his own custom sounds for his Tesla Model 3 Performance using the Glydsphere speaker system.

Ultimately, the collaboration between humans and machines in the automotive industry is a reflection of the techno ethos. Rather than prioritizing machines over humanity, people are working together with technology to create a better world. This synergy of man and machine is evident in both music production and the sound design of electric vehicles.

FutureCar Staff