MUSICOLOGY
Vincent Sebastian’s participates in the scholarly and performative study of music in the fields of music psychology and cultural musicology.
Music psychology is interested in understanding musical behaviour and experience, including the processes through which 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.
This research is developed into tools that help creators empower their music, creativity, and performances.
PHD RESEARCH
Vincent’s PhD research explored music in altered states and psychological healing practices in religious initiations and music rituals. It consisted of fieldwork and creative practice research exploring how contemporary electronic music sub-genres emerge from traditional ritual sources. 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.
This research transformed Vincent’s understanding and approach to music creation and performance, which he instill into his music, talks, blogs, and books.
DANCECULT LONDON.
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.
Check out previous talks and research projects
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
This research project explored creativity through 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.
Vincent’s Research is used to Create Powerful Performances, Productions, and Products that Inform and Inspire.
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