Research and Experiences in Music, Ritual, and Psychology
Research
Investigating the intersection between music, ritual, and psychology.
From Ritual Music to Electronica:
The Transformation of Traditional Santeria into Electronic Neo-Santeria
PHD THESIS
My 2024 PhD research explored Afro-Cuban music rituals and their evolution into emerging electronic music sub-genres.
The work resulted in a thesis, two EPs of music, music video, and two album artworks, which are the results of exploration of the phenomenon.
The work provided a framework for understanding the features and evolution, and was integral for showing the underlying ritual performance ethos influencing both traditional and recent resurgences of ritualised music behaviours. The study helps us understand how music traditions evolve and provides a way for understanding these transformations from a musical, symbolic, and psychological level.
Xook Project
This research project for City of Sydney featured in-depth interviews with leading artists in various disciplines, discussing the meaning of art, and its relation to culture, spirituality, and tradition. It helps us understand the challenges, ideas, and perspectives of artists in Australia and abroad, and serves as critical insight into the artistic way of life.
PULSE
Pulse is a collaborative research project and contemporary dance/music piece that explores transformation though visual metaphor, archetypes, and immersive sound. It integrated traditional concepts with modern flair to provided a unique approach to music and dance. It was featured at 2024 Adelaide Fringe Festival as part of Lee Major’s Rich Mix.
Choreographer/Performer: Daniela Zambrano. Composer/Performer: Vincent Sebastian
Experiences
Performances that inspire, inform, and transform.
Bringing together 25 years of music experience and PhD research to provide fresh perspectives on music, ritual, and psychology.
Talks
Combining the latest scientific discoveries, personal stories, live performances, and thought-provoking insights, they invite audiences to see music in a new light.
From Ancient Rituals to Global Dance Floors: How Music Technology is Reinventing Tradition
Musician, producer, and researcher Vincent Sebastian takes you on a journey through the evolution of music—from the sacred rhythms of ancient rituals to the pulsing beats of electronic dance floors. Drawing from his PhD research and 25-year career in percussion and music production, he explores how new music technologies are transforming traditional sounds, bridging the past and future, and reshaping the way we connect through music.
Through captivating storytelling, live music, and cutting-edge insights, this talk reveals how music is more than entertainment—it’s a force for cultural transformation, driving psychological, social, and spiritual evolution.
Feature Talk
Presentation of Ph.D research at Dancecult 2023, an international journal and conference for the study of Electronic Dance Music culture. Sponsored by Create NSW, this trip enabled contribution to the global discussion on ritual and electronic music culture.
Dancecult, London.
Spiritual Transformation: The Hidden Catalyst For Musical Innovation
Shares my journey of spiritual and artistic evolution during my Ph.D. fieldwork. Discusses how art reflects and aids in navigating our deepest changes, turning challenges into creative triumphs.
Workshops
Transform abstract concepts into engaging, hands-on experiences. For conferences, festivals, business events, and education faculties.
These workshops provide the opportunity for audiences to create their own song with the help of experienced facilitators. Offering authentic expression and creativity in a fun and dynamic environment, workshops provide the skills to enhance team-building, harmony, and develop innovation.
The Melody of Humanity was one such example, a workshop created for Inner West Council and Settlement Services Australia. It resulted in the creation of a song and music video which integrated the cultural music of 25 migrants of diverse backgrounds. It enhanced positivity and harmony between members, fuelled creativity, confidence, and resulted in future artistic endeavours and collaborations.
Music Creation and Performance Workshop
“Art develops imagination. We must first imagine in order to innovate.”
— Kent Nagano (Composer)
Podcasts
Conversations that Inspire us to rethink the role of music
Podcast Episode: The Creative Alchemist
Music as Ritual and Pathway to Transcendence
In this conversation, Vincent Sebastian and Adriano Barcellos explore the transformative power of music and ritual as a tool for healing, and gateway to transcendence.
