MUSICOLOGY
Vincent’s research explores arts practice, music psychology, and cultural musicology. Music psychology is investigation of musical behaviour and experience, including how music is perceived, created, responded to, and incorporated into everyday life. Cultural musicology explores the sonic, social, and ritual dimensions of music, reaching beyond the institutionalised distinctions between musics of the world to explore music as a form of communication between self and the cosmos.
PHD RESEARCH
Vincent’s PhD explored Afro-Cuban music and religious rituals and their application for 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 in emerging electronic music sub-genres. The study was the first to detail the cross-cultural transformation of Afro-Cuban music culture with electronica, and 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 intricate knowledge, performance practices, and techniques that aim for altered states and healing. The work provided a framework for understanding the features and development of the Yoruba-derived phenomenon. 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 a commodity and entertainment, to a technology for healing, well-being, and spiritual evolution.
Talks and Workshops
Vincent Sebastian’s talks and workshops present his expertise developed through PHD research and 25 year music career. They feature the latest scientific discoveries, personal anecdotes, and thought-provoking insights that 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 Tradition to Technology: How We Forgot the True Purpose of Music"
What if music isn’t just entertainment, but a transformative force for healing, connection, and cultural renewal? In Western culture, music has been stripped of its deeper meaning, reduced to background noise or “content” for quick consumption, while its roots in spirituality, community, and well-being have been forgotten. As a musician, researcher, and explorer of global music rituals, I’ve uncovered stories and insights that challenge how we think about music in the West. From life-changing experiences in Latin American spiritual practices to the struggles of creating meaningful art in a commercialised world, my journey offers a fresh perspective on music’s true purpose and power. In this talk, you’ll hear gripping tales of musical rituals, the surprising ways music can transform health and spirituality, and practical ideas to rethink music’s role in your life and our culture.
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