On Sound as Substance: Indigenous Approaches to Sound / Sound as Medicine
Sound & Culture Summit
Music is perhaps widely known to serve as a means of collective and individual healing. Yet how seriously do we consider sound beyond that of the auditory experience? What thoughts arise when considering sound as its own sovereign being, containing substance and functioning as an actual medicine, capable of influencing physical and mental wellbeing?
A very tangible reality is that, across many continents, sound is not a neutral object to be studied, but a relational entity tied to Indigenous sovereignty, protocol and world views. However, oftentimes, in academic contexts and in Eurocentric science and cultures in general, the notion of sound containing substance and building bridges between realms is seen as symbolic, imaginary or even ‘spiritual woowoo’. In this talk we respectfully and humbly listen to sound practitioners whose work is influenced by these realities.
Moderator: Chihiro Geuzebroek
Speakers: Raven Chacon, Giulia Loli and Lengai Loita