In late September 2023 I conducted a Field Recording expedition to the Singing Dunes at Altyn-Emel National Park, Kazakhstan together with Luka Kozlovacki.
In the midst of the steps lie three dunes that are home of a rare acoustical phenomenon: they sing.

This occurs when sand avalanches are triggered on the steep side of the dune. Slowly flowing down the slope the sliding sand starts emitting a low drone. Usually, this behaviour is triggered by strong winds blowing in from the west (at this particular site).
In the case of our visit we were facing less than ideal circumstances, however. Heavy rainfalls, not typical for the season, had soaked the dune's sands, leaving only a thin dry layer on the dunes surface. Additionally, winds were constantly blowing in from the west, further inhibiting the dune's singing.

After days of experimentation, sliding down its steep slopes, we discovered a way of playing the dune, by setting off the avalanches ourselves. The ridge this became the score for our performance.