Re-Imagined Radio Launches New Workshop Series With “Dawn Birds, Light Traffic, Melodic Machines” July 20
- 07/09/26
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio begins a new chapter in sound-based storytelling with “Dawn Birds, Light Traffic, Melodic Machines,” premiering at 1 p.m. July 20. The episode marks the debut of the new Re-Imagined Radio Workshop series, an initiative focused on experimental narratives, soundscapes and innovative approaches to audio storytelling.
Unlike traditional radio dramas that rely primarily on spoken dialogue, “Dawn Birds, Light Traffic, Melodic Machines” places environmental and mechanical sounds at the center of the narrative experience. The episode weaves together field recordings captured by producer John F. Barber in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Vancouver, Washington; and Victoria, British Columbia, creating what Barber describes as a “sonic tapestry” that invites listeners to discover stories through listening.
The episode begins with a fantastical premise: a secret organization known as the Secret Society for Sonic Sobriety has stolen and hidden soundscapes from around the world. Rescued by the crew of the legendary submarine Omega and returned to the public, three of those recovered soundscapes become the foundation of this unique listening experience.
“At the heart of every soundscape is the idea of sounds heard at a particular place and time,” said Barber, producer of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “But sounds recorded in different places and at different times can connect through similarity, serendipity and imagination. This project explores how those connections can create meaningful experiences and suggest narratives without relying on human speech.”
The episode is inspired by radio drama scholars Richard Hand and Mary Traynor, who identify speech, sound, music and silence as the fundamental elements of audio storytelling. Barber’s work asks whether “speech” might be found in sounds beyond spoken language.
Constructed from three distinct soundscapes, “Dawn Birds, Light Traffic, Melodic Machines” foregrounds birdsong, traffic, machinery and other environmental sounds, encouraging listeners to actively engage with the sonic world and imagine their own interpretations of the experience.
“Traditionally, speech carries the greatest weight in storytelling because it is our primary form of communication,” Barber said. “This work asks listeners to consider whether other sounds can also communicate meaning, emotion and story. The narrative is ultimately created through the listener’s imagination.”
The launch of the Re-Imagined Radio Workshop series reflects the program’s continued exploration of new forms of sound-based storytelling as it approaches its second century of episodes. Future Workshop editions will feature additional soundscapes, sound walks, sound spas and experimental radio theatre designed to encourage active listening and creative engagement with sound.
Listeners are invited to tune in July 20, settle in, listen closely and discover what stories emerge from the interplay of dawn birds, light traffic and melodic machines.
About Re-Imagined Radio
Created in 2013 by Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres including drama, comedy, documentary and sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program reimagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.
New episodes premiere on the third Monday of each month. Re-Imagined Radio episodes air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver, Washington; KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland, Oregon; KNOM-AM (780) in Nome, Alaska; KAAD-FM in Sonora, California; and Galloway's Star 24 in Galloway, New Jersey, providing coast-to-coast coverage across the United States. In addition, each station streams its programming globally, helping Re-Imagined Radio reach listeners in more than 60 countries. Listening links and an archive of past episodes are available at reimaginedradio.fm, which also features Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA, offering additional sound-based storytelling between monthly episodes.
About WSU Vancouver
WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.
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