the hard truth about live music
The electric atmosphere of a live gig should be available to everyone. Yet, for nearly 30% of the population, people with hearing sensitivities, neurodivergence, or who are hard-of-hearing, traditional music venues can create a sensory overload. We’re talking muddy sound, excessive reverberation and overwhelming noise levels.
We’re changing that, one venue at a time.
Do you have a noisy venue that needs help? Speak to the experts
three iconic venues, one revolutionary approach
We’ve transformed three of Hackney’s much-loved grassroots music spaces:
- Vortex Jazz Club – Providing a platform for jazz, improvised and experimental music
- SJQ – Hackney’s vibrant hub for grassroots music
- Paper Dress Vintage – Where quirky fashion meets avant-garde sounds
Using a range of recycled, fire-rated acoustic sprays and rafts, we’ve transformed these venues into spaces where speech and music travel with crystal clarity. Lyrics are easier to understand, bass feels powerful yet controlled, and musicians can connect more deeply with their audience.
The end result isn’t just better acoustics; it’s an enhanced immersive experience for everyone.
the power of partnership
- Oscar Acoustics – brings over 48 years of expertise as Great Britain’s leading provider of architectural acoustic finishes. Ben Hancock, Oscar Acoustics Managing Director, says, “Our mission is to design spaces where everyone can experience the magic of live music, comfortably and safely.”
- Sownd Affects – contributes cutting-edge acoustic science and human-centred design principles. Sownd Affects founder Marion Marincat comments on adapting venues for audio inclusivity “It’s a thoughtful, science and human-led approach that designs environments and nurtures an ongoing culture to avoid overwhelming the senses.”
Our partnership combines Oscar Acoustics’ industry-leading products and installation expertise with Sownd Affects’ deep understanding of human acoustic needs. It’s a fusion of technical precision and inclusive design that makes our project truly revolutionary. Together, we’re transforming venues in ways that are both unexpected and truly impactful.
the story of Sownd Affects and its founder, Marion Marincat
Sownd Affects was founded in 2024, the result of a decade of research, innovation and development by its founder Marion Marincat. Its mission? To promote Audio Inclusivity, to tackle noise pollution and design soundscapes for the 30 % of people who are noise-sensitive.
2011
At age 26, Marion became profoundly deaf. After three years spent educating himself on the issues, in 2014 he was inspired to found his own company; Hearology, an ear-care company tailored for the young.
2017
Marion began consulting with a variety of leading organisations on issues around hearing wellness.
2019
Marion secured the first UK government grant to develop scalable solutions for audio inclusivity in public spaces and workplaces. This included the first Hearing Wellness District at Queen Elizabeth Park.
Today, Marion is a leading authority on Audio Inclusivity, working with national and international organisations, having joined the WHO World Hearing Forum Leadership team.
coming soon: a documentary film by Oscar Acoustics
‘Now hear this‘ is the title of an upcoming documentary film, that we’re crafting behind the scenes, with an expected release in Summer 2026. The film intimately chronicles Marion’s personal journey, from his profound hearing loss at age 26 to founding Sownd Affects in 2024, a pioneering initiative devoted to championing audio inclusivity for the 30% of people who are noise-sensitive.
Through the lens of this life-changing story, the documentary captures the transformative collaboration between Oscar Acoustics and Sownd Affects as they bring the acoustic upgrades to life across three iconic Hackney’s grassroots music venues.
The documentary also delves into the broader social impact of this ground breaking project:
- Venue staff regaining focus and reducing sensory overload.
- The ripple effects of inclusive design.
- The pioneering spirit behind making the borough of Hackney a model for audio inclusivity.
Our documentary film will invite viewers to witness how improving spaces for those with hearing sensitivities and neurodivergence can spark systemic change and how sound can be reframed as a means of inclusion, joy, and connection.