INTRO

From the beginning of time, our connection to sound in relation to our physical environment has been an intimate one. As SFU professor Hildegard Westerkamp puts it, there is “no anonymous sound.” The lack of masking in hi-fidelity environments facilitates the propagation of “acoustic coloration” caused by echoes and reverberations that occur as sound is absorbed and reflected from surfaces within the environment.

The resulting coloration offers significant information for the listener, providing cues relating to the physical nature of the environment, expressing its size in relation to the listener.

Music is no exception.

This project reconnect ourselves with the hi-fidelity acoustic environments that we once knew so intimately while exploring the reciprocity between light, sound, space, the natural environment, collaboration, and performance.

THE FILM

Set against the breathtaking landscapes of Boulder, Utah, Echoes in Stone is a transcendent music documentary that explores the deep connection between sound, nature, and creative expression. Following electro-acoustic band Dirtwire, the film captures their immersive journey as they step away from the confines of a traditional studio to compose and record an album entirely within the raw, high-fidelity acoustic environments of the ancient sandstone canyons.

As the band navigates remote landscapes, their creative process is shaped by the echoes and reverberations of their surroundings, leading them to rediscover the improvisational spirit and psychedelic roots that once defined their music. From intimate fireside jams to powerful performances in a vast, cathedral-like cave, the film reveals the symbiotic relationship between environment and artistry, where each note played is a dialogue with the land itself.

A meditation on collaboration, inspiration, and the transformative power of place, Echoes in Stone is a visually stunning and sonically rich exploration of what it means to truly listen—to the land, to each other, and to the echoes that shape our creative souls.

THEMES

  • The Creative / Collaborative Process

  • The Inspired Self / Presence / Flow State

  • Improvisation

  • Man’s Ancestral Relationship With Musical

  • Spirituality

  • Plant Medicine and its musical / spiritual affects 

  • Connection (with nature, with others, with ourselves, with art) 

  • Improvisation and Flow State

  • Ego and Self

  • Complementary relationship between man, sound and the natural environment

  • Embracing Into The Unknown

DIRTWIRE

With a smooth rumble like a shiver down the San Andreas Fault, Dirtwire, the Bay Area-based electro-acoustic band sits on the front porch of Americana’s future, conjuring up a whirlwind of sound using traditional instrumentation, world percussion, soundscapes, and electronic beats. Dirtwire plays an array of instruments, both ancient and modern, including West African kamale ngoni, harmonica, space fiddle, whamola bass, Rickenbacher electric 12-string guitars, bowed banjos and jaw harps from around the globe, all interwoven into modern laptop beat creation. Some describe them as a blend of ethnomusicology and the psychedelic trance state, gut-bucket delta blues.

PRODUCTION TEAM

Ron Johnson – Executive Producer

Ron is the owner of Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch, which gazed out over Sweetwater Creek towards the slickrock paradise that is the Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument. A dreamer and steward of Mother Earth, Ron believes that artists are the pollinators of love and truth in this world. As such, Ron’s mission is to make the Boulder Mountain Guest Ranch a quiet creative refuge for thought-leaders and artists alike.

Gareth Leah – Executive Producer

British-born producer and director, Gareth Leah, has lead expeditions and productions to some of the world’s harshest and most remote environments. Better known as “Gaz” by his friends, he is driven by a curious love for new cutures and environments. Perpetually in search of the next story, he’s worked alongside brands including Adidas, Facebook, BF Goodrich, The Olympic Channel, Youtube Originals, and Red Bull.

Jacob Oster – Director

Jacob Oster is a filmmaker and creative director based out of Salt Lake City, UT. With a deep curiosity for the human experience, Jacob’s documentary work explores the complexities of culture and character, striving to reveal the universal truths that connect us all.  Jacob has collaborated with brands such as The North Face, Mountain Hardwear, The Surfer’s Journal, and his work has been shown at film festivals across the world.

Dylan Wineland – DP / 1st Cam

Dylan Wineland is a DP / Director based out of Salt Lake City, UT. Dylan, bringing a unique perspective to every project, is renowned for his striking imagery, thoughtful direction, and ability to tell emotionally-driven stories. His genuine curiosity and love for the human experience are at the heart of his work. Dylan has capturing documentaries and limited series for HBO, Red Bull, the Olympics, The North Face, and National Geographic.

Bruce Wilson – 2nd Cam

Bruce cut his teeth years ago pointing cameras on loose rock faces, hauling over-sized loads of equipment up mountains and staying up all night shooting stars, and suffering to "get the shot". These early creative experiences shaped his drive and passion to create. Bruce has shot with all of the top climbing brands and has traveled across the globe to create films and advertisements for some of the top outdoor brands in the world.

Connery Johnson – Sound Engineer

Connery is a true master of his craft. After graduating
with a degree in audio engineering, CJ has taken his
talents all across the world while working on diverse projects ranging from music to film, radio, and broadcast.

Will Saunders – Head Photographer

Will’s images speak volumes about what makes him tick. A blend of style and am adventurous spirits bring a unique look to his images. His photography laughs, limbos and leaps into your lap. With clear vision and creative intention, Will brings his own version of magic that is not easily faked. In 2021, Will won the first place in the overall category of the prestigious and internationally recognized photography competition, Red Bull Illume.

Sound Shepherds –Sound Design / Re-recording Mixers

Composer and pianist Greg Andersen writes, performs, and produces music for film, concert halls, pop, and jazz settings. Greg studied Jazz at Capilano University before studying contemporary classical composition at
the University of British Columbia.  From Brazil, Henrique Andrade moved to Canada to study audio engineering with Adam Fulton and Andrew Czink. Since then, he’s worked as an assistant engineer for 604 Records with Pedro Dzelme, a recording engineer at Pyatt Hall, and as a post-production audio freelancer for film, tv, games, and commercials.

Alexander Jenkins – Re-recording Mixer, Dolby Atmos

Alex Jenkins is an adjunct professor of the Music Technology program at Brigham Young University . With over 25 years of audio mixing experience, Alex has worked in film, broadcast, and music and as an audio consultant. He is also a presenter and instructor for individuals / groups in regards to audio composition, sound design workflow and surround mixing methods including music technology and concepts. Alex will be mixing our Dolby Atmos audio mix in his Atmos-specified studio.

Contact us

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