Musician Clockwork Janz compiled sounds and interviews during the 2025 Indiana State Fair to create an audio collage. Video by Claire Nguyen for Mirror Indy.
The theme of the 2025 Indiana State Fair was “Soundtrack of Summer.” As a sound artist, I felt compelled to collect all the sounds and some interviews to document the fair.
Because I also did this for Mirror Indy last year, I thought I must have spoken this into being somehow.
Though Indianapolis is a bustling city in its own right, within the global context, we are still very country and very agricultural.
In the spirit of embracing this fully, and promoting love and empathy, I merged the sounds of rural and city folk together. The Indiana State Fair is a golden opportunity for this mingling.
With this audio collage, I mingle us, and let y’all listen to the glorious sound salad that we make together.
To get folks to tell me stories, I used one or more of the following questions:
- What is your earliest memory of the fair?
- What is your favorite sound at the fair?
- Why is it important for people around the state to come to the fair?
- Why is it important for people from Indianapolis, the city, to come to the fair?
- One reason I’m doing this project is that when people tell me they don’t like the fair, I get the vibe that they think they are too cool for the fair. What would you say to folks who think they are too cool for the fair?
- What do you love about living in Indiana?
- Could you describe the charm of Indiana?
- Do you live in the city or the country?
- Why should someone visit your hometown?
Hold this audio collage like a patchwork symphony. Each texture is equal in importance. Each voice is a melodious solo, not an interview — words hit consonance with the diesel engine and slurp of a lemon shake up.
To engage with this audio collage, listen to it while keeping your hands and/or mouth busy. Listen while you drive, while you wash dishes, or while you draw. Maybe eat food that reminds you of the Indiana State Fair while you listen.
If you go
Indiana State Fair Audio Experience
🗓️ 7-8 p.m. Aug. 22
📍 Storage Space Gallery, 121 E 34th St.
🎟️ Free
Would you like to immerse yourself in the sounds and visuals of the Indiana State Fair as captured by Mirror Indy? Join us at Storage Space Gallery for a very special sensory experience with musician Clockwork Janz and Mirror Indy staff.
Mirror Indy, a nonprofit newsroom, is funded through grants and donations from individuals, foundations and organizations.
Clockwork Janz is a Mirror Indy freelance contributor. You can reach them at clockworkmakesmusic@gmail.com.
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