SONIC EQUITY
(2024)
author(s): Nathan Riki Thomson, Adriano Adewale
published in: RUUKKU - Studies in Artistic Research
SONIC EQUITY
This exposition investigates questions of inclusion, equity, and decolonisation through the central voice of the Brazilian berimbau. Drawing on the approaches of artistic research, musical case studies are employed to investigate the core concepts, including the solo berimbau work of Adriano Adewale, as well as duo dialogues between Adriano Adewale on berimbau and Nathan Riki Thomson on double bass, seen through the conceptual lens of third space.
Findings emerge in terms of uncovering and reimagining the unique, experimental sonic possibilities of the berimbau and the ways they can be utilized for artistic expression in both solo and duo playing. Through shining a light on the unique possibilities of the berimbau, questions arise in terms of why this instrument and its interconnected traditions have not been given equal space and value within higher music education, highlighting the need for institutions to continually reassess their policies through the lens of decolonisation.
The artistic investigations further reveal issues related to the need for equity in music and music education, pointing towards a decolonised future where marginalized instruments such as the berimbau are given space and valued equally alongside all forms of musical expression. This connects back to the fundamental human need to be seen, acknowledged, and valued in our world, which is a commonality we can perhaps all relate to.
Key words: berimbau, equity, decolonisation, interculturalism, higher music education, third space.
Sonic Conversations for Double Bass, Berimbau and Sámi Joik: Shaping Identity in the Third Space
(2020)
author(s): Nathan Riki Thomson
published in: RUUKKU - Studies in Artistic Research
This exposition presents, unpacks and discusses the effects of intercultural dialogue and collaboration on the formation of an individual personal artistic identity, through the lens of two musical duets. These artistic research case studies are centred around the author in dialogue with a Brazilian berimbau player and a Sámi singer, which act as focal points to examine how intercultural dialogue and collaboration can impact on the formation of a personal artistic identity and how the third space emerging from a transcultural dialogue can be a catalyst for new musical discoveries. In addition, I consider the kinds of musical and communication skills that are needed to co-create music in a transcultural context and which kinds of ethical issues arise.
The core thread of discussion and argumentation is centred firstly around the idea that by placing oneself in diverse and unknown musical environments and engaging in dialogue, a dynamic third space emerges, which holds within it the opportunity for new elements and approaches to surface and take shape in unexpected ways. And secondly, I propose that searching for points of resonance with the world around us may be crucial in the creation of meaning and the formation of a personal artistic identity. Although the practice of music making is at the core of this research, the work is viewed with a wide-angle lens, acknowledging findings that point to the importance and potential benefits of increasing intercultural dialogue, understanding, collaboration and resonance at all levels of society. Discoveries also emerge within the areas of extended instrumental techniques and an expanded sonic palette for the double bass, as well as the creation of new music.
This exposition zooms in on two examples from my complete artistic doctoral project at Sibelius Academy, Uniarts, Helsinki, namely the two sonic conversations for double bass and berimbau, and double bass and Sámi joik.