Abstract
Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) are perceptual states, such as dream, delirium, or hallucination that fall beyond a commonly accepted normal waking consciousness. This article discusses Entoptic Phenomena in Audio, a collection of four electroacoustic compositions that are based upon the author’s research regarding these states. The compositional process utilised involves consideration of the typical features and structure of hallucinatory experiences, as described by participants in psychological studies and other available literature. Typical features of hallucination are then used to indicate the design of corresponding sonic materials, and the structure of the composition. This compositional process is described in detail, leading to a generalised structural approach for creating electroacoustic compositions based on ASCs, with several possible variations. In addition, the decision to present the works on 12″ vinyl is also discussed, as are the ways in which this project interfaces with electronic dance music culture.
Highlights
“...it was quite rare for volunteers to hear formed voices or music
The term came to prominence in the 1960s, most notably with Charles Tart’s Altered States of Consciousness: A Book of Readings (Tart, 1969), in which Arnold Ludwig provides a detailed definition of the mechanisms that produce Altered states of consciousness (ASCs) and their principal characteristics (Ludwig, 1969)
The compositions contained within Entoptic Phenomena in Audio (Weinel, 2014) are fixed media stereo electroacoustic compositions that evolved through the praxis of my PhD research regarding altered states of consciousness as a principle for composing electroacoustic music
Summary
“...it was quite rare for volunteers to hear formed voices or music. Rather, there were sounds, variously described as “high pitched”, “whining and whirring,” “chattering,” crinkling and crunching.” Many remarked on the similarity of DMT auditory effects to those of nitrous oxide, where there is a “wah-wah,” oscillating, wavering distortion of sounds.” (Strassman, 2001, p.148). The hallucinations caused by psychedelic drugs such as LSD, mescaline, psilocybin mushrooms or DMT are of primary interest During these states, an individual may experience a range of effects that impact their sense of self and interaction with the world. Heinrich Klüver’s research regarding the experience of mescaline participants revealed the common perception of ‘form constants’: grid, lattice and funnel-type patterns which those under the influence of the drug would commonly see (Klüver , 1971, p.66) These patterns do not really exist in the external environment, but are perceived due to the action of the drug and its effects on the visual system of the individual. Within this approach there are several variations that could be taken, indicating four main ‘categories’ of psychedelic electroacoustic composition
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
