Joshua Wolk developed an interactive digital experience called Train Jazz, which transforms daily rides on the New York subway into a live jazz performance available at www.trainjazz.com.
Inspired by the public transport data available in the city, Wolk created an interactive map to track train movements. Recognizing the need for sensory measurement for visualization, he integrated music, assigning each subway route its unique sonic character and instrument, thereby turning transport data into an unexpected auditory experience.
The data functions as a musical instrument, using the city's movement to generate music. Using real-time location data from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), Train Jazz translates the position of every active train into musical notes. As trains move along their routes, their movements create melodies and harmonies that change throughout the day, forming a composition that is never repeated.
The website updates its data every 15 seconds, allowing the music to reflect the city's state in real time. During rush hour, an increase in the number of trains leads to richer and longer sounds, while fewer trains late at night cause longer pauses. Each line has its own unique sound, determined by its historical characteristics and operating mode. This project represents a living expression of the city's collective movement.