how good are frogs?

the ultimate lullaby

Last weekend, I headed for the hills (Healesville, 75min north of Naarm/Melbourne) for the weekend with my little family, and soul sis Lucy (fka Luminem, now 1/2 of the incredible, My Lovely Haunting) - pictured above.

A weekend spent amongst the huge trees, breathing the fresh air and eating the local produce was balsam for the soul. And so was the nightly soundtrack of frogs that lulled me to sleep.

I don’t know about you guys but I never usually sleep well, when I’m in a new place. It doesn’t matter how expensive the hotel, or how comfy the bed, I never manage to have a good night’s sleep. I read something about it a while back - something about new places being agitating for our nervous system which can’t switch off as we’re constantly on the lookout for threats in this new (and potentially, dangerous) environment.

Anyway, alas our van is still being repaired after the trip (😭 ) and so we were in a cabin for the weekend. A new environment. As such, I was prepared for a weekend of interrupted sleep.

Not so. I woke up every morning feeling amazing. And I think I know why.

Every night, as I was drifting off to sleep, I noticed the background chorus of brown tree frogs (you can hear them featured very prominently on this song from “Awake Within the Dream”). This gentle sound, sending me off to sleep. Telling my nervous system that it was time to rest. Time to slow down.

What is it about frogs? Why do we love the sound so much? And if you don’t love the sound, I’d love to hear from you.

Why do the sounds of frogs and birds nourish our souls so much? Surely it must be something to do with our primitive ancestors. This sound is somehow calming - maybe because it signifies a healthy (frogs usually only inhabit healthy water sources) and safe (birdsong = no predators) environment.

And a few years back, I had my suspicions confirmed thanks to Gordon Hempton, who was interviewed on On Being with Krista Tippett. This podcast is incredible and you should listen to the whole thing but, in short, he confirms this. In fact, our hearing has evolved to pick up the frequencies of birdsong in particular, as it signifies a healthy, safe environment.

Anyway this week, I’d love to share with you something I’ve never shared before. A loopable, frogs-only version of the aforementioned track “Mire”. I use this in my sound baths all the time. I’m sure many of you will be very familiar with it. Maybe you’ll try playing it before bed and see if it helps you drift off. You could even loop it and play it all night. If you do, I’d love to hear from you.

While on the topic of frogs, I want to share a recording I made at the incredible Rosa Glen Farm just near Margaret River. Not only do they make incredible, organic wine and let you camp on the property, but winemaker Matt Rösner also makes the most stunning ambient music.

I know. Arriving to a winery owned by an ambient musician. What are the chances. There was even an epic rainbow to greet us.

Anyway, while we were there, we heard these weird nighttime sounds. At first I thought they were cows at a nearby dairy, but on night two, we realised they were Howling Frogs. Aptly named.

I don’t know if I’ll ever use these sounds in a song as they’re pretty spooky, but hey. Ya never know.

don’t worry. these will never be used in a sound bath. lol

What sounds in the natural world lull you to sleep? What sounds do you not like? I’d love to hear from you in the comments, or send me a message.

Meanwhile, those of you who are new to these emails, hihi! Lovely to have you here. If you’d like to hear and see more wild sounds from the outback, I posted about it a couple of times last month.

…and don’t forget about my giveaway. Win me, doing a sound bath for you and your friends, family at your house (irl if you’re near where I live, online if not) just by subscribing to my emails. More info here.

Seeya next week, legends

xx Phoebe