Introducing...
Rhythm Obscura: Revealing Hidden Histories Through Ethnomusicology, Practice Research and Material Culture
Why this, why now?
As an ethnomusicologists, academics, teachers, researchers, practitioners, writers and authors, we have been thinking about a way to bring together the wide range of interdisciplinary work that Rhythm Obscura produces in one space; this is that space. In essence, Rhythm Obscura is a multi-faceted research project which grew from an idea for an Impact Case Study (more on that later) in 2016.
As the productivity of Rhythm Obscura expands, it seems important to document the outcomes and collect the outputs in one space. This is more than an archiving project though, in a sense, this is an organic archive that will grow and evolve through reiterative processes of production and consumption, discussion and reflection.
Rhythm Obscura’s core agenda is to reveal the hidden histories, invisible stories and unspoken narratives that exist within music cultures, with an emphasis on the non-obvious and the regional-rural.
Rhythm Obscura’s aims and objectives are to:
produce scholarly outputs that champion the palimpsest of music cultures, broaden the reach of practice research and practice-informed theory,
significantly improve dialogue in wider provincial and rural communities and society and contribute to discourse inside and outside of academia,
illuminate the hidden socio-politics and practices of cultural heritages and identity embedded in music cultures,
provide a home and support for researchers, practitioners and those interested in critical discourse and creative practice,
advocate and enable inclusivity through creative practice and critical engagement,
provide an infrastructure that supports transdisciplinary approaches to projects,
make visible and accessible the significance and impact of hidden histories, aural accounts and lived experience within music cultures from the regional to the global.
Rhythm Obscura will do this by:
posting regular articles by contributing authors, hosting conversations and discussions,
leading on open and invited events, reading rooms and exhibitions,
providing advocacy and support for individuals, groups and music-focused projects in provincial and rural spaces,
shaping and disseminating the creative practice research, provincial and regional-rural narrative through inclusive dialogues, events and publications.
HEADZ Project
The first major project of Rhythm Obscura is the HEADZ Project (Histories, Explorations, Artistries, Demographics, Zeugma). Since the idea began in 2017, HEADZ has gained momentum and produced, to date, two books, two journal articles, an exhibition and three issues of HEADZ-zINe exploring the complex histories of Hip Hop Headz in the South West and North West of England. The HEADZ Project continues to thrive and aims for 2023 include a third book due for publication, triannual publication of HEADZ-zINe and a significant event in Exeter, Devon, UK. This event will celebrate the 35th anniversary of South Side Alliance (SSA) and the inaugural and infamous hip hop jam of April 1988 at The Arts Centre, Exeter, in addition to a wider acknowledgement and festivities for hip hop’s 50th birthday.
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To support the building of the Rhythm Obscura community, there will be free options in addition to paid subscriptions. 100% of funds from paid subscriptions will be directed towards supporting projects.
Free subscriber benefits:
public and open access articles and/or discussions will be posted and available free of charge on the first Thursday of every month.
Monthly subscriber benefits:
access to the full archive,
additional articles and/or discussions will be posted weekly, every Thursday,
physical copies of HEADZ-zINe issues sent to you directly upon publication.
Founding member benefits:
access to the full archive,
additional articles and/or discussions will be posted weekly, every Thursday,
physical copies of HEADZ-zINe issues sent to you directly upon publication,
occasional merchandise, recordings and physical copies of books sent to you directly upon publication.
If you are unwaged, please let us know and you can be gifted a monthly subscription. Rhythm Obscura strives to work with unheard voices, those less supported and people who deserve greater visibility - especially in the context of academia and research.
