record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
00431
Thesis Title
Altered states of consciousness as an adaptive principle for composing electroacoustic music
Author
Jonathan Weinel
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
PhD
Year
2012
Number of Pages
116
University
Keele University
Thesis Supervisor
Rajmil Fischman
Supervisor e-mail
r.a.fischman AT keele.ac.uk
Other Supervisor(s)
Diego Garro d.garro@keele.ac.uk, Oliver Harris oliverharris@mac.com
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Music
Languages Familiar to Author
English
URL where full thesis can be found
www.jonweinel.com/phd/
Keywords
Music, Electroacoustic Music, Sonic Arts, Altered States of Consciousness, Hallucinations, Entoptic Phenomena, Max/MSP, Audio Visual Composition
Abstract: 200-500 words
The aim of this research was to use altered states of consciousness (ASCs) as an adaptive principle for composing electroacoustic music, in which common features of the ASC experience provide a basis for the design of sonic material and inform the structural design of corresponding musical sections. Various cultures throughout history have sought to undergo visionary journeys using hallucinogenic plants and drugs. In many cases these experiences have been used as a basis for the creation of art, literature and music. Informed by a survey of relevant work, this practice-led research develops a compositional process for creating electroacoustic music that is based upon hallucinogenic perceptual states. Though situated within the electroacoustic idiom, the work also draws significantly upon Western psychedelic culture and electronic dance music. The output is a creative portfolio containing a series of musical compositions, software and video. This supporting commentary describes the compositional processes in detail, and it is hoped that it will be of interest to other creative practitioners dedicated to exploring this theme in music and other mediums.