Emerging talent Smeethan’s latest release “Soul Symphony,” is a thoughtful tribute to the breath-taking beauty of the natural world. Rooted in an intricate soundscape where notes of drums, bass, and synth merge smoothly into the serene sounds of nature, the soulful track showcases the expansive creative possibilities that exist beyond the realm of traditional musical instruments.
In conversation with Earmilk, Smeethan delves into his approach towards music creation, his hope to not just evoke a sense of wonder but also inspire positive change in the world while also encouraging his listeners to recognize the critical role that nature plays in our survival.
How has the release of "Soul Symphony" impacted your future work, and what valuable insights have you gained from the experience?
“Soul Symphony” is a tribute to the natural world and its beauty. My goal is to inspire a generation of hope and collective action. To accomplish this, I realized that I needed to take my ego out of the picture. I wanted to build a world for the listener to inhabit, but I found that a human voice in music essentially puts someone else's ego in our ears. By instead using the sounds of nature to form my soundscape, I was able to better engulf the listener's senses and subconscious imagination.
I also utilize this approach in my upcoming song which focuses on positive human potential. This song incorporates the sounds of humanity and our scientific achievements to celebrate the magnificent and ever-alluring call of the universe.
In what ways has your personal relationship with nature influenced or shaped your approach to creating music?
In a technologically centred world, it’s easy to forget that we inhabit a physical world beyond our computers, phones, and TVs. To manage the constant stream of information, I turned to nature and the serenity it offers. Now, when I listen to the birds in the morning, I am reminded of the beauty of sound. When I listen to a thunderstorm roar, I am reminded of the power of the elements. When I delightedly watch baby animals grow, I see myself growing too. This inspires me to cherish our world and its life, and I aim to evoke that same feeling in my music.
How do you intend for the message of "Soul Symphony" to resonate with your audience, and what actions do you hope it inspires them to take?
Firstly, I want to instil a sense of tranquillity and natural mysticism. I hope this will encourage listeners to appreciate nature and understand our dependence on nature to survive. Upon sparking this gratitude and love for Earth, my hope is that listeners will then feel a desire to protect our planet and act accordingly.
Regarding actions, for us to have a substantial impact we must influence at a governmental level. For Americans, that involves contacting your representatives, voting for politicians with stronger environmental policies, and joining organizations designed to accomplish these goals. The Sunrise Movementis an excellent example of an organization to support. A youth-led movement advocating for political action on climate change, they are known for presenting the Green New Deal before Congress. The Green New Deal is a plan designed to make the U.S. a sustainable country with 100% clean and renewable energy. Positive change can happen, and it is happening! It just takes a lot of organization and political pressure to be manifested in our society.
In your opinion, how have the possibilities of utilizing sound beyond traditional musical instruments expanded in the current era we live in?
The development of modern audio technology has allowed us to record and use sounds from anywhere. This has changed the way we view music and how we interact with sound in general. Using a variety of sources, we can build a sonic world that is more encaptivating than ever. I anticipate a shift in music as the necessity of physical instruments declines and recorded sounds become widely pervasive.
Did you incorporate any other distinctive elements besides natural sounds into your recent release?
While I mostly used natural sounds, I also incorporated drums, bass, and synth notes to give it a driving rhythm and melody. A balance between the instruments of nature and the instruments of humankind are the foundation for my sonic story.
How did the music video enhance the emotional impact of "Soul Symphony" and what was your intention behind showcasing natural phenomena such as waterfalls and rain?
I intend for “Soul Symphony” to extend beyond the auditory sense and become an entirely captivating experience, engaging other senses too. Evolution and growth are illustrated throughout the video: baby animals turn to adults, while streams flow into rivers, then lakes, and finally oceans. The sky’s expanse is revealed, when at last, the beauty of rain dances across the screen, just like in a delightfully warm summer storm. The video represents the natural world in all its beauty, charm, power, and wonder. The water cycle and the growth of life are my means to do this visually.
What advice would you give to individuals who want to get involved in environmental activism but don't know where to start?
The best advice I can offer to those wanting to help is to join or contribute to a local, national, or global cause that is aiming for positive change in the world. For instance, the Sunrise Movement is trying to fight climate change and the overuse of greenhouse gasses in America. This is but one great cause, and there are countless others that are working toward saving the planet. They simply need more people to support them to further their impact. The ability to influence positive change may seem daunting for an individual, but together we are strong and have the power to better our world.
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