Abstractions

The concluding chapter of a book on electronic music and altered states of consciousness traces a historical continuity from ancient shamanic rituals through psychedelic rock shows, raves, outdoor electroacoustic concerts, synaesthetic films, and hallucinatory video games. It argues that while underlying principles have remained consistent, evolving technologies have produced increasingly accurate representations of altered states in electronic music and audio-visual media. This trajectory leads to 'Altered States of Consciousness Simulations' that replicate sensory experiences using immersive technologies like fulldomes and virtual reality headsets. The chapter explores possible uses and ethical implications of these simulations at the frontiers of electronic music and art.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The concluding chapter of Inner Sound: Altered States of Consciousness in Electronic Music and Audio-Visual Media consolidates the main arguments of the book. The journey taken is recapitulated, from shamanic rituals to psychedelic rock shows and raves; and from outdoor electroacoustic concerts to synaesthetic films and hallucinatory video games. Across these examples, similar underlying principles can be identified, revealing a continuity from ancient shamanism to modern ‘technoshamanism’. Yet while some imperatives have remained consistent, the technologies have evolved, yielding ever-more accurate and sophisticated representations of altered states in electronic music and audio-visual media. This finds us on the brink of ‘Altered States of Consciousness Simulations’, which replicate the sensory experience of altered states using immersive technologies such as fulldomes and virtual reality headsets. Looking forwards, the possible uses and ethical implications of these simulations are explored, at the frontiers of electronic music and art.