soundcentered

Soundcentered is an adjective used to describe content, design, or experiences in which sound assumes a central organizing role. In this usage, the auditory channel is primary for conveying meaning, mood, and information, and visual elements may be de-emphasized or used to complement the soundscape.

The term is a compound neologism formed from sound and centered; it appears in contemporary media criticism, audio design discourse, and artist statements to indicate a deliberate, sound-first approach rather than a visually dominant one. It is not a standardized technical term, but a descriptive label.

Characteristics commonly associated with soundcentered work include rich or intricate sonic textures, intentional use of silence, emphasis on spatial audio and 3D sound, and careful timing of cues. Content may guide perception through audio cues, with narrative or user interaction shaped by listening rather than sight.

Applications span film, video games, sound installations, podcasts, and music production. In practice, soundcentered projects may prioritize immersive ambience, responsive sound design, speech and voice as primary carriers of information, or experimental approaches to how listening shapes memory and meaning.

See also: sound design, sonic branding, auditory aesthetics. The term remains relatively informal and context-dependent, serving as a shorthand for a broader set of practices in which listening takes precedence.