Sound in Podcast

"Directive" Episode 1

https://open.spotify.com/episode/49vWM26ymvawxRApYOfjyd?si=IFQ97rmqQOWbLXgWOlkD7Q

"Directive" is a futuristic, sci-fi drama podcast. It uses sound from the very beginning to set the scene. The first voice you hear is a robotic computer assistant giving the explicit language warning for the podcast. Then cabin noise (think of an airplane) fades in for the first scene. Even if I had not read the description, it would be immediately clear that this was a sci-fi piece.

As action unfolds, the podcast creator inserts everyday background noises so we know what is happening. For instance, in the morning scene, we hear a coffee-maker (I think), a shower, and so on, behind readouts from the computer assistant and occasional speaking from the main character Frank. Throughout the podcast, background noise indicates changing scenes. The office is introduced by clicking keyboards and modulating chatter as he moves to his desk. The phase where he is uncertain about his life is accompanied by muzak. The return of cabin noise means he is back home.

The creator also used stereo sound to make conversation. In one scene, Frank's voice and the door opening-closing sounds come through the left channel, while the boss's speech is in the right channel. This makes the dialogue more clear.

Finally, other music is used throughout. I expect that will be a theme throughout the series -- the music will indicate change or move the plot somehow. In this episode it served to reinforce the futuristic feel as it was all electronic-style music.