Strange Relief

Strange Relief is a multi-part, week-long exploration of sound and spirituality, curated by Second Spring. 

I: Sound installation (June 7-9, 12-8PM)

Strange Relief: Panpsychic Sound Floor by Julian Yi-Zhong Hou

In this developing speculative work, Hou uses the psychedelic technology Ketamine for the speculative mapping of inner space into architecture, sound, and writing. Panpsychic Sound Floor is one floor within this larger work, and interweaves ideas around auditory panpsychism and dissociative invocations.

II: Talk (June 6, 6:30PM)

Distancing Mechanisms: Ketamine & Daoism by Fan Wu

In this talk and public forum, Fan Wu explores a speculative comparison: How do the strange bedfellows of ketamine and Daoism both manifest necessary distance from such sticky substances as ego, attachment, and knowledge? Thinking through John C. Lilly, Zhuangzi, and private phenomenological accounts of ketamine use, how can this distance be the foundation for spiritual and ethical experience? We will all walk together through Julian Hou’s Strange Relief to embody these questions through sound & sensoria.

III: Panel (June 8, 8PM)

Wandering in the Wild: a conversation on mental health in the music industry organized and lead by Al Spx

The music industry is an incredibly difficult one to navigate. With hectic tour schedules and pressures associated with albums, more and more artists are struggling to manage their mental health. We will touch on subjects such as touring, releasing projects, and how we manage to stay sane throughout it all.

Al Spx will be facilitating the conversation. She has a history of psychosis that was triggered by a relentless tour. For her, the music industry has been detrimental to her mental health and there is a great deal to touch on with this conversation.

IV: Concert (June 10, 7:30PM)

Prince Nifty: Interplanetary Machines record launch

Performances by Prince Nifty and Stefana Fratila, and sound installation by Julian Yi-Zhong Hou. For more information and to purchase tickets, view our webpage here.

ACCESSIBILITY INFO

918 Bathurst, is not currently wheelchair accessible due to stairs (two half-flights to enter the performance space, and one flight to access the washrooms). This event will have projected visuals, includes amplified sound and will not include additional scents

We will have ear plugs, sunglasses, and a ‘therapeutic room’ for those that need it. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to david@musicgallery.org. 

COVID POLICY

Proof of full vaccination or vaccination exception supported by a valid certificate issued by the Ontario Ministry of Health is required at the door. Except in our bar area, masks are required to be worn at all times unless explicitly mentioned otherwise. For our full policy, click here. 

SAFER SPACE

We expect all attendees and community members to respect one another, and to respect the work that was created for you to explore. We will not tolerate harm or harmful behaviour of any kind. View our policy here.