Carla Scaletti & Kurt Hebel Discuss Sonification, WALL•E, and the Future of Sound in The UIUC Talkshow #45

Exploring the Boundaries of Sound, Music, and the Human Experience

In a captivating new episode of The UIUC Talkshow, Carla Scaletti and Kurt Hebel — visionaries in the world of sound design and music technology — come together for an intimate conversation about the emotional and philosophical depths of sonification, creativity, and the human condition.

About Carla Scaletti & Kurt Hebel

Carla Scaletti, a composer and computer music pioneer, is best known for her invention of Kyma, a sound design language that has revolutionized how artists and scientists alike approach sound. Scaletti’s work bridges music, science, and technology, using sound as a powerful medium to explore ideas and express the ineffable. Her innovative approach to sonification — converting data into sound — has redefined how we experience the world, enabling people to “hear” complex data patterns as music.

Kurt Hebel, co-founder of Symbolic Sound and an expert in digital audio systems, shares Scaletti’s deep passion for the intersection of technology and human experience. Together, they have expanded the possibilities of sound design, opening doors to new artistic expressions and ways of understanding the world. Hebel’s contributions to sound engineering have influenced everything from cinematic scores to cutting-edge applications in medicine and environmental studies.

Key Themes in the Interview

Throughout the interview, Scaletti and Hebel explore the profound connections between sound, emotion, and the human experience. At the heart of the conversation is the idea that sound can be a bridge — allowing us to understand each other and the world in ways that transcend language.

• Sonification of the Human Experience: Scaletti describes music as the “sonification of the inner state of your mind,” a powerful idea that frames music not just as an art form, but as a conduit for human thought and emotion. By listening to the works of long-gone composers, she explains, we are, in a way, experiencing their mental states.
• Philosophical Reflections on Creativity: Both Scaletti and Hebel reflect on the philosophical aspects of their work, touching on the nature of creativity itself. They explore the transformative role that sound plays in our lives — not just as entertainment but as a form of storytelling that can convey emotions, knowledge, and abstract ideas with unparalleled directness.
• Sound as Storytelling in Cinema: The duo also shares insights into their contributions to iconic cinematic sound design, including the emotionally evocative soundscapes of WALL•E. They discuss how sound design is far more than background ambiance; it’s an essential narrative tool that can deepen the emotional resonance of a story.

Watch the Interview

This episode of The UIUC Talkshow is a masterclass in the art and science of sound, offering viewers a glimpse into the minds of two pioneers whose work continues to push the boundaries of music and technology.

Watch the full interview with Carla Scaletti and Kurt Hebel here: “Sonifying the Human Condition, WALL•E, and Kyma”.

About The UIUC Talkshow

The UIUC Talkshow is a show about the interesting people with the most interesting ideas. For inquiries, questions, or to cover your event or speaker, reach out to us for more details.