Strand 1 – Aural Histories
How do we record a past that was poorly documented? Where did it happen? What were the musical materials that were important at the time? How can we present a version of events that represents a multitude of voices, and not simply repeat established narratives about house music? The documentation surrounding house music is limited. We have little first-hand or primary source evidence from producers and DJs readily available to us. Furthermore, certain voices are typically ignored within the traditional narrative of house music (most notably female DJs).
Further to this, given the direct links between DJing, disco, house music and the emergence of modern club culture, there needs to be an increased importance placed on the early progenitors of the dance music scene. In recent years, we have lost many luminaries of the early dance music scene through ill-health or old age. The deaths of Ron Hardy, Frankie Knuckles, Richie Kaczor, David Mancuso, Larry Levan, Francis Grasso, Michael Brody, Mel Cheren, Walter Gibbons etc. has removed key linkages with house music’s history and roots. As such, we also lose a link to early DJ and remixing practice, significantly limiting ability to interrogate the sonic experience of early dance music clubs.
Strand Outputs
