Sonic Activism: Soundworkers as Peacebuilders and Change-Makers

An examination of Joshua Leeds' concept of 'Sonic Activism' viewed from the perspective of Andrew Hodges's book "Mastering Chaos: A Musician's Guide To Navigating Complexity" (MC)

Riding The Storm

The Musician’s Way Model in MC shows that human interactions and musical styles can be mutually mapped across four Core States: Structured, Passionate, Challenging, and Spontaneous. Sonic Activism, particularly when aiming for social justice and change, thrives in the interplay of the Challenging and Spontaneous states.

Activism, at its core, involves pushing against the established order and speaking truth to power. This is the essence of the Challenging State, exemplified musically by Jazz:

• Speaking Truth to Power: Jazz emerged as a form of resistance and empowerment, using coded language as a way for African slaves to challenge their masters; it is the musical equivalent of whistleblowing. This music demonstrated the power of art to challenge injustice and inspire social change.

• Challenging the Status Quo: The Challenging State is the mental and emotional condition of saying, “No, not that! It should be this instead!”. Folk music similarly serves as a powerful tool for social commentary, questioning authority and advocating for change.

• Loving the Whistleblower: Organisations, or in this case, communities, must learn to "play to the new riff" even if it initially "jars". Allowing this flexibility is crucial, as even systematic fields require out-of-the-box thinking when faced with situations demanding innovative solutions.

For sound to truly connect and heal, we must cultivate the flexibility and freedom found in the Spontaneous State, exemplified by free improvisation:

• Deep Connection Beyond Words: Group free improvisation is a powerful tool for fostering creativity, connection, and well-being, reducing stress and anxiety. It allows musicians and listeners to connect on a deeper level, sharing emotions and experiences without the need for words. This music, when truly "happening," has a greater truth and honesty than the use of language, acting like a "private conversation with the subconscious".

• Fostering Community: Free improvisation is accessible to everyone, regardless of musical experience, and fosters a sense of community and connection through shared musical experiences. This collaborative environment is essential for generating new ideas and expressing ourselves in unique ways. Organisational survival itself may depend on creating permissive space for creativity and human spontaneity.

Sonic Activism in Practice: Healing and Unity

Joshua Leeds outlines practical ways we, as soundworkers, can engage in activism, both collectively and individually, to address the instability in the world:

• Group Singing (Collective Wisdom): Group singing is a "well-worn road" because when people sing, grunt, or hum together, something profound occurs. We all know about the power of entrainment and resonance, but crucially, it reminds us of the unity of everything. This collective action directly taps into the transferable skill musicians develop: accessing the collective wisdom of the wider group through musical interaction. This echoes the way music can strengthen social bonds and provide social cohesion.

• Self-Care and Rebalancing (The Grounded Space): Activism also requires self-care. Joshua Leeds describes the SBTK (Sound Breath Toolkit), which involves healing through humming and breathing to rebalance a nervous system that feels unsafe.

This focus on personal stability is vital and links to the concept of Our Grounded Space in The Musician’s Way. The practice, expression, interpretation, and spontaneous invention of music develop within us a very healthy sense of stability and composure. This grounded space acts as an anchor, allowing us to safely explore all States and externalise struggles. When we maintain this place of balance, human groups are at their best, possessing the inner strength to heal the darkness.

Music Connects, War Divides

Music is fundamentally powerful; it can influence behavior, shape culture, and strengthen social bonds. Organisations like Musicians Without Borders demonstrate that music is a leader in peacebuilding and social change, helping to heal the wounds of war and rediscover connections. Music provides the collective voice of social justice.

Members of Andrew's Sound Forum are uniquely equipped with the skills needed during times of inflection and change. We are reminded that: "War divides, Music Connects".

What is your new sonic activism gig? There will be plenty of opportunities in the coming years. Start utilising your transferable skills to foster empathy, connection, and lasting social change today.

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"The stirring energy within human soundwork shows us that we do have the ability to recognise our own collective power. Suddenly, one person, then another, opens their eyes to a sky they never truly saw before. Our sense of entrapment melts. The Awakening begins. The incarceration was an illusion, upheld only by collective inattention. This is the moment of clarity. The breathtaking realisation that the walls of our prison were never truly solid."

Orchestral Suite: Awakening by Andrew Hodges