Sonic Conversations for Double Bass, Berimbau and Sámi Joik: Shaping Identity in the Third Space

Nathan Riki Thomson

This exposition presents, unpacks and discusses the effects of intercultural dialogue and collaboration on the formation of an individual personal artistic identity, through the lens of two musical duets. These artistic research case studies are centred around the author in dialogue with a Brazilian berimbau player and a Sámi singer, which act as focal points to examine how intercultural dialogue and collaboration can impact on the formation of a personal artistic identity and how the third space emerging from a transcultural dialogue can be a catalyst for new musical discoveries. In addition, I consider the kinds of musical and communication skills that are needed to co-create music in a transcultural context and which kinds of ethical issues arise. The core thread of discussion and argumentation is centred firstly around the idea that by placing oneself in diverse and unknown musical environments and engaging in dialogue, a dynamic third space emerges, which holds within it the opportunity for new elements and approaches to surface and take shape in unexpected ways. And secondly, I propose that searching for points of resonance with the world around us may be crucial in the creation of meaning and the formation of a personal artistic identity. Although the practice of music making is at the core of this research, the work is viewed with a wide-angle lens, acknowledging findings that point to the importance and potential benefits of increasing intercultural dialogue, understanding, collaboration and resonance at all levels of society. Discoveries also emerge within the areas of extended instrumental techniques and an expanded sonic palette for the double bass, as well as the creation of new music. This exposition zooms in on two examples from my complete artistic doctoral project at Sibelius Academy, Uniarts, Helsinki, namely the two sonic conversations for double bass and berimbau, and double bass and Sámi joik.

H O M E

A huge thank you to:

Hildá Länsman and Adriano Adewale for their openness, wonderful musical collaborations and for all they taught me during the process.

Catherine Grant for all of her insightful comments and positive energy in supervising my writing.

Kristiina Ilmonen for her support and inspiration as my artistic doctoral supervisor

Mikko Haapoja, Simon Allen and Adriano Adewale for their painstaking recording and production work on the Resonance album

My family Katja, Otso, Kai and Kasper for their love and support

G r a t i t u d e

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