Psychedelics Today

PT509 – Music for Psychedelic Exploration, and the First 'Choose Your Own Adventure' Album

May 3, 2024

Shahar Amit, psytrance musician, discusses creating a modular album for psychedelic exploration. Topics include music for non-ordinary states, 'choose your own adventure' framework, DMT trials, flow of the album, music as a catalyst, and exploration of consciousness. He also talks about the impact of music on enhancing the psychedelic journey, festival experiences, and genre diversity. Amit challenges Big Bang theory, discusses consciousness as reality's foundation, and explores music's emotional impact on perceptions.

01:08:41

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Episode guests

Shahar Amit

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Episode notes

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Quick takeaways

Modular album 'Before Thought' offers personalized emotional soundscapes for psychedelic therapy sessions.

Resonance between internal and musical experiences is crucial for effective psychedelic therapy outcomes.

Seamless crossfades and personalized music selection enhance the immersive and tailored nature of the session.

Deep dives

Innovative Music Approach for Psychedelic Therapy

The modular album 'Before Thought' by Held By Sound offers a unique approach to music for psychedelic therapy. The album is structured to follow the psychedelic experience arc, allowing listeners to choose different emotional soundscapes that resonate with their journey. The continuous flow of the music ensures a seamless and immersive experience throughout the session.

Introduction

3min

Journey of Music and Psychedelics

15min

Exploring Music Venues and Genre Diversity

2min

Exploring Soft Ambient Music for Psychedelic Therapy

6min

Psychedelic Exploration and Transformative Experiences

18min

Exploring the Age of the Universe and Consciousness

5min

Music, Emotions, and Psychedelics: A Deep Dive

16min

Closing Remarks, Future Collaborations, and Resource Recommendations

3min

In this episode, Joe interviews a psytrance musician who has created what may be the world's first modular album for psychedelic exploration under his project, Held By Sound.

He talks about his background in the rave and festival scene, the moment he realized he wanted to make music, and the realization that he could create soundscapes specifically for journeys into non-ordinary states. And he digs into the 'choose your own adventure' framework of the free album: how he actually recorded 3 different albums and figured out how to transition into different moods based on which direction the listener wants to go – from more still to more expansive, to darker or more bittersweet. He has also created music for DMT trials in the UK, and talks a lot about the potential in extended-state DMT experiences.

He also discusses:

How he came up with the flow of the album related to phases of the trip
How much of a catalyst and safe container music can be, with or without a complimentary substance
How psychedelics in a fun, festival experience with lots of laughter can be extremely beneficial – you don't need to do them the 'correct' way
Graham Hancock, Donald Hoffman, and the concept of consciousness as the building block of all reality
Psytrance, classical music, traditional Bwiti music, Lady Gaga, and what music he feels is best for exploration

and more! For links, head to the show notes page.