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curated by Sonologyst
photography by [cover image] László Moholy-Nagy
Russia today is a multi-ethnic state with over 300 ethnicities living under one flag. Each of these ethnic groups has its own indigenous folk, sacred and in some cases art music, which can loosely be categorized together under the guise of Ethnic Roots music, or Folk music. These categories can be further broken down into folkloric modern adaptations of ancient folk material, and authentic presentations of ethnic music. Starting from this rich heritage, it is no wonder that during the last five decades, electroacoustic experimental music in Russia has grown in a deep ritualistic format where nature’s mythologies meet the occult and the shamanic. And where electronic drones meet acoustic folk instruments beyond temporary fads in genuine artistic inspiration deeply rooted in ancient traditions. Distinctive elements of the Russian soul, also known as “dusha” or the way of explaining natural and cultural phenomena in magical and metaphysical terms, have always played a significant part in the work of their greatest artists.

Cover image: “Ohne Titel (Neon Signs)“ 1939.

Available for download from Bandcamp in a variety of file formats.