MUSICOLOGY
Vincent’s research explores arts practice, music psychology, and cultural musicology. Music psychology is investigation of musical behaviour, perception, and experience, while cultural musicology explores the sonic, social, and ritual dimensions of music.
PHD RESEARCH
Vincent’s PhD explored Afro-Cuban music rituals and their use in altered states, healing, and psychological transformation. It used literature review, fieldwork, auto-ethnography, and creative practice to explore traditional music and cultural practices and their evolution into emerging electronic music sub-genres. The study was the first to outline the development of an emerging sub-genre of music which was coined neo-Santeria, which fuses traditional and electronic music elements. The work resulted in a thesis, two EPs of music, one music video, and two album artworks that explore the phenomenon.
Vincent’s research concluded that an Afro-Cuban performance ethos was at the core of these musical transformations, consisting of music and performance approaches that aim for altered states and psychological healing. The work provided a framework for understanding the features and evolution. The study helps us understand how music traditions evolve, for better or worse, and provides a way for understanding these transformations from a musical, symbolic, and psychological level.
Vincent’s mission is to change the way we think about music, from entertainment, to a technology for health, well-being, and spiritual evolution.
Talks and Workshops
Vincent Sebastian’s talks and workshops present his expertise developed through PHD research and music career. They feature the latest scientific discoveries, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights to change the way we think about music in our lives.
His presentations cover topics featured in his blog which include music psychology, cultural musicology, creativity, spirituality, ritual, music business, mental health, and culture.
Feature talk:
From Spirit Rituals to Electronic Dance Parties: How Technology is Transforming the Way We Experience of Music
What if music isn’t just entertainment, but a technology for healing, connection, and spiritual evolution? In Western culture, music is often relegated to entertainment, while its roots in spirituality, health and well-being are often forgotten. Although, recent science is starting to show the benefits of music for individual, social, and spiritual health. As a musician and researcher from a Latin Cultural background, I present stories and insights that challenge how we think about music in the West. From life-changing experiences in Latin American rituals, to the struggles of creating meaningful art in a commercialised world, my journey offers a fresh perspective on music’s true purpose and power.
Previous Talks and Projects
Vincent presented his Ph.D research at Dancecult 2023, an international journal and conference for the study of Electronic Dance Music culture. This enabled him to contribute to the global discussion on ritual and electronic music culture.
DANCECULT LONDON.
SPIRITUAL TRANSFORMATION: The Hidden Catalyst For Musical Innovation
Profound personal transformations can fuel creativity. Vincent shares his journey of spiritual and artistic evolution during his Ph.D. fieldwork into music rituals, discussing how art reflects and aids in navigating our deepest changes, turning challenges into creative triumphs.
XOOK ARTS PLATFORM
Vincent provided in-depth interviews with leading artists in various disciplines, discussing the meaning of art, and its relation to culture, spirituality, and tradition in their lives and practices.
Sponsored by the City of Sydney, the Xook project showcased the diverse perspectives of ten artists. It explored the attitudes, challenges, and cultural perspectives of working in the arts industry, enabling each artist to contribute to the wider discussion about the value of the arts.
These interviews were included as an online web platform and live event, designed to bring awareness to artists perspectives, while enhancing collaboration, creative expression, and cultural participation among participants.
PULSE
Pulse is a collaborative contemporary dance and music piece that symbolically depicts spiritual transformation using visual metaphors, character archetypes, and music. It was featured at 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival as part of Lee Major’s Rich Mix.
Choreographer & Performer: Daniela Zambrano.
Composer & Performer: Vincent Sebastian
Podcasts
Podcast Episode: The Creative Alchemist
Music as Ritual and Pathway to Transcendence
In this conversation with Vincent Sebastian we explore the transformative power of music- not its as entertainment, but as ritual, a tool for healing, and gateway to transcendence.