You’re Invited… To See the World Differently
Dear Readers,
All the pieces this week are great examples of works that do what Metapsychosis does best: invite us to experience both the world and artistic creation in ways we haven’t thought of before. Our first publication this week is a thought-provoking essay by Tom Carlson titled “The Saucer: A Record from the Outside,” which looks at poetry as a “technology that breaks free of the relation-prison of standard English.” Teasing out the many connections between language, consciousness, the forces of empire and the means of resistance, Carlson leads us through a journey that is both philosophical and lyrical. Written as the introduction to an as-yet unpublished collection of poetry, this essay is a great introduction to Carlson’s poetic output that will leave readers wanting more.
We’re also excited to share “Resonant Horizons: Sound, Symbol, and the Imaginal Journey,” the latest installment of our Acousmatic Crossings series, featuring two powerful explorations in sonic composition. Valentin Sismann’s “Morphaime” is a masterclass in lowercase acousmatic music—a sparse, deeply textured piece that unfolds in hushed tones and silences. With careful, attentive listening (headphones highly recommended), it opens into imaginal spaces that are subtle, surprising, and emotionally evocative.
In contrast, Enrico Dorigatti’s “Quantum” comes at you with intensity. Built from transformed field recordings, the piece rapidly moves through fragmented rhythms and sculpted textures, creating a sonic environment that shifts and reshapes like a living structure. Beneath its energetic surface, “Quantum” transports listeners into a symbolic descent—sound as vessel, symbol as terrain.
Whether quiet or kinetic, each work carries the potential to awaken new modes of listening and perception. Dive in and let the crossings begin.
Listeners whose tastes have now been whetted for acousmatic music should mark their calendars for a live listening session coming up on 4 June. And that’s just one of a fantastic slate of both virtual and in-person activities that will be hosted over the next few months by Metapsychosis’s parent organization, Cosmos Co-op. To name just a few that are soon approaching: our next Community Potluck and Creative Showcase will happen on 18 May in Longmont Colorado, while 23 May we’re holding a virtual meetup to discuss the question What is Integrality?. You can see the full list of events and learn how to join the co-op on our website.
There are plenty of ways to get involved in our Metapsychosis community—everything from leaving comments on a work to share its impact on you, to becoming a patron. Our readers and listeners are the reason we keep creating, and we’re so grateful that you’ve come along with us for another week!
Until Next Week,
Mary Thaler
Associate Editor, Metapsychosis journal
Leave a Comment