The Inspiring Journey of Libby Green and Marcel Gnauk
Start your day with a fascinating tale of two sound recordists who have devoted their lives to capturing the unique audio of the world.
Libby and Marcel, currently in Malaysia, have ambitious plans to traverse the Pan American highway, extending from Alaska to Ushuaia, the southernmost point of South America. This remarkable journey reflects their relentless pursuit of sound and adventure.
Chasing sounds: Libby Green and Marcel Gnauk met randomly on a promenade in Nice, France, seven years ago. They’ve since built a career traveling and recording unique sounds worldwide.Bangkok Train Station, 2022: Their website, www.freetousesounds.com, showcases over 500 royalty-free sound libraries. Notably, 145 of these are available for free download.Iceland, 2020: A highlight of their travels, Libby and Marcel recorded sounds on Iceland’s iconic black sand beach at Solheimasandur for two days.
Sound Recording: An Expensive Yet Rewarding Passion
Sound recording can be an expensive endeavor. High-fidelity equipment often costs thousands of dollars, making it a significant investment for quality audio capture.Vietnam: Marcel reflected, “It does not feel like work because we genuinely love what we are doing,” as seen during one of their early recording sessions.
Global Adventures and Capturing Sounds
Bali, 2018: Over six years, Libby and Marcel have recorded audio across more than 25 countries, focusing predominantly on regions in Asia, Europe, and North America.Hong Kong, 2020: Marcel noted their backlog of unedited recordings. “Recording in the moment is far more exciting than sitting back in a studio with headphones,” he remarked.
Challenges of a Nomadic Lifestyle
Costa Rica Dog Sanctuary, 2018: The couple lacks a permanent home base and relentlessly travels. Libby shared the challenges they face, saying, “When you have a home base, you maintain a concrete routine, which we don’t have.”Colorado, 2021: Libby manages their YouTube channel and website, while Marcel focuses on sound recording and editing, along with social media updates.
A Lifelong Dedication to Sound
Lifelong passion: Libby confidently states, “I know we will still be recording sounds and traveling in five years,” as seen with Marcel during a road trip in Thailand.Recording in Malta: “We can pack our gear and reach the next airport in about 45 minutes,” Marcel explained, highlighting their swift adaptability.
