Shikaakwa Zibi nônwek
Dive into the layered soundscape of the Chicago-Calumet River system—a living archive of ecosystems, histories, and rhythms. Curated in partnership with the Friends of the Chicago River, local artists from Solidarity Studios, and Cesar Almeida, this sample pack brings together field recordings captured along the Chicago-Calumet River system: the rush of post-storm waters, the hum of industrial barges, the songs of city birds, and whispers of wind through native trees. More than just samples, these sounds invite you to listen deeply—to hear what the land remembers. Download the sample pack and submit a remix to contribute to the Sounds of Chicago River remix collection.
This pack blends:
- Natural textures – flowing water, birdsong, insect rhythms, and wind patterns
- Urban and mechanical grit – bridges lifting, train horns, boat engines, street ambiance
- Culture & History – echoes of the canal reversal, meatpacking industry, and the enduring presence of the Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Odawa, and Miami peoples who called this river Shikaakwa (“wild garlic place”)
Whether you’re a beatmaker, sound designer, educator, or activist, this pack is a tool to remix environmental awareness with hip-hop innovation. Use it to build beats, design soundwalks, or amplify the silenced rhythms of a river still teaching us how to listen.
Includes:
30+ WAV files
Field recordings + isolated textures + rhythmic loops
Download the Sounds of Chicago River Sample Pack
Submit a Remix
Join the Friends of the Chicago River and Solidarity Studios to submit a remix using the Sounds of Chicago River Sample Pack. Submissions uploaded by December 1, 2025 will be entered to win a river prize pack and an opportunity to showcase your production at the Friends’ Chicago River Student Congress in February. Panelists will prioritize productions that center healing, wellness, and meditative qualities. However, all genres and styles of music and audio production are welcome & encouraged.
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