Seminar in Ethnomusicology and Sound Studies: Noel Lobley (University of Virginia)

Free to attend, no registration required.

What happens when colonial sound fragments are actively transformed through the visual arts, roaring praise poetry, and Afrofuturistic remix culture? What are the possible pathways between the International Library of African Music–the world's largest archive of ethnographic music and sound in Africa–and The Black Power Station, an independent inter-generational arts activist collective in Makhanda, South Africa? What is the solution-oriented work that collaborative sound curation can build? Hip Hop Arts Activist Xolile 'X' Madinda, founder and CEO of The Black Power Station in Makhanda will be in conversation with Noel Lobley (Music Professor and Sound Curator, University of Virginia). Click here for the 1 minute primer.

Noel Lobley is a sound curator, ethnomusicologist, and artist with sound work exhibited internationally in spaces ranging from theaters to basements, art galleries to rainforests, and in schools, homes, and out on the streets. He is currently Associate Professor in the Department of Music at the University of Virginia and author of Sound Fragments: from field recording to African Electronic Stories.

About the series:
The Seminar in Ethnomusicology and Sound Studies is convened by Professor Jason Stanyek of the University of Oxford. Former convenors of the series were Professor Martin Stokes (currently at King’s College London) and Professor Noel Lobley (currently at the University of Virginia). Featuring lectures by leading scholars who have adventurous takes on musical and sonic cultures, the series has a particular grounding in anthropology, sound studies, and ethnomusicology. We typically hold two or three seminars each academic term. Our standard meeting time is on Thursdays at 5pm and events usually take place at or near St John’s College. Our seminars are open to all and admission is free. There is a wine reception after each talk. If you have any questions about the series please contact Professor Stanyek.