Distraction Therapy Podcast 030 – Embracing the Emergent Dialectic

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

Welcome to the latest episode of the Distraction Therapy Podcast on Radio Lear, where we delve deep into the metamodern aesthetic, exploring the emergent dialectic that defines this cultural paradigm. Metamodernism, with its oscillation between opposites and its capacity for embracing both sense and non-sense, offers a fertile ground for creative expression. This episode showcases a selection of tracks that embody this dynamic tension, inviting listeners to engage in a profound process of sensemaking.

In Carl Jung’s psychological framework, enantiodromia refers to the phenomenon where an extreme condition tends to produce its opposite. This concept is integral to metamodernism, which thrives on the interplay of contradictory elements, holding them in tension to facilitate the emergence of transcendent symbols. The music in this episode exemplifies this dialectic, oscillating between coherence and chaos, structure and disarray, sense and non-sense.

Here’s how each track contributes to this emergent dialectic:

BBB&BB – Live At Oct-Loft Jazz Festival 2019: BBB&BB’s live performance captures the essence of metamodern jazz, blending structured improvisation with spontaneous creativity. The music oscillates between disciplined jazz motifs and free-form experimentation, creating a space where opposites coexist and a higher synthesis emerges.

Justin Bennett – Chipka Acid Train Mix: Bennett’s mix navigates the terrain of electronic music, juxtaposing the regularity of acid house beats with erratic sonic distortions. This tension between rhythmic order and chaotic sound design exemplifies the enantiodromatic process, producing a dynamic and engaging auditory experience.

Laure Boer – Soleil ébloui: Boer’s track is a blend of traditional folk elements and avant-garde experimentation. The familiar, comforting melodies of folk music are interwoven with unexpected, dissonant sounds, challenging listeners to find meaning in the juxtaposition of the familiar and the strange.

Fahmi Mursyid – Tanpa Pola: Mursyid’s ambient soundscapes hover between structured musical forms and amorphous sound masses. This oscillation invites listeners to navigate the boundaries of sense and non-sense, engaging in a meditative process of sensemaking.

Kali Malone – Sacer Profanare: Malone’s minimalist drone compositions emphasize sustained tones and subtle variations. The music creates a space where time seems to stand still, allowing listeners to experience the tension between stasis and transformation, a hallmark of the enantiodromatic process.

FM3 – Ting-Shuo: FM3’s ambient track blends serene soundscapes with experimental textures, creating a tranquil yet thought-provoking atmosphere. The interplay of calm and disruption invites a contemplative engagement with the music, highlighting the metamodern dialectic.

Leyden Jars – Coils: Leyden Jars’ electronic experimentation features complex rhythms and innovative sound design. The track oscillates between coherent electronic beats and disjointed sonic fragments, reflecting the tension and synthesis characteristic of metamodern creativity.

Renaud Bajeux – Sunny Spell: Bajeux’s track combines uplifting ambient tones with intricate electronica elements. The music balances between the lightness of ambient sounds and the complexity of electronic rhythms, embodying the dualities that define the metamodern aesthetic.

FUMU – Fascination: FUMU’s track explores the boundaries of electronic music, featuring experimental beats and textures. The juxtaposition of rhythmic coherence and sonic disruption exemplifies the metamodern oscillation between order and chaos.

Jessika Ekomane – Live at Heroines of Sound (extract): Ekomane’s live performance is a piece of sound art that uses experimental techniques to create an engaging auditory experience. The interplay of structured sound patterns and disruptive noise invites listeners to participate in the enantiodromatic process of sensemaking.

This episode of the Distraction Therapy Podcast offers a profound exploration of the metamodern aesthetic, highlighting how music can serve as a medium for the emergent dialectic. By embracing the tension between opposites, these tracks create a space where listeners can engage in active imagination, finding meaning in the oscillation between sense and non-sense.

As you listen to this episode, allow yourself to be immersed in the dynamic interplay of styles and genres. Let the music guide you through the enantiodromatic process, where the synthesis of opposites can lead to new insights and a deeper understanding of the metamodern condition.