Experimenting with popular culture
What do you know about the local music scene, or more particularly the local experimental scene? If you are keen to expand your knowledge, head down to a concert on Friday to find out
As the idea of experimental music drifts into mind, I think of DJs on the decks of the world’s hippest venues mixing electro beats to create a concoction of new sounds.
Then there’s those punk rock/goth types with looks that could kill, who play to adoring crowds in some dark, underground bars that claim to be so against anything commercial you’re too scared to walk in for fear of looking too normal or mainstream. Relying on a lot of improvisation, and the mix of a whole host of instruments, each gig could be classed as an experiment in itself.
Looking up the meaning of ‘experimental music’, I realise it’s generally taken to mean any sound that challenges the commonly accepted norms of what music is.
But does this kind of music exist in Cyprus? “Does experimental music exist in Cyprus?” repeated director of the Pantheon Association in Nicosia, Petros Lapithis. “Of course it does!” At this point I feel acutely embarrassed by my lack of knowledge on the subject.
As the conversation continues, however, I realise my ignorance can be excused as most of the population of Cyprus has no idea about what’s happening with local music. “The experimental music scene is very small,” Petros explained. “Actually, this is one of the main problems, it’s so small that most of us think it’s non-existent. I get annoyed because there’s a huge experimental scene in Europe and so many people listen to that music, but it takes everyone years to discover what’s going on under their nose in their own country.
“The main problem for experimental musicians here in Cyprus is that commercial bars and clubs just don’t accept to play their work,” Petros added. “The crowds want to hear commercial hits and the venues obviously have to please the mass audience.”
That’s where the Pantheon Association comes into play as it provides one of the only platforms for up and coming young musicians to showcase their work. Following the success of previous film festivals and music events, the association is quickly establishing itself as the official playground for Cypriot experimentalists. A Sonic Arts event to take place next Friday aims to project the creativity of Cypriot artists to the wider public.
The occasion will involve a team of musicians that will come together to present their work and the specific scene they’re involved in. For them, music is not just a job or a passion, it’s a way of life. The association has also created a Sonic Arts CD. The work is a compilation of music by Cypriot artists who have dared to do something different. Be it with a computer, simple vocals, or a drum set, the sounds create something new.
“Experimental music means blending new concepts and methods,” Petros said. “It’s hard to explain, but it can be music played on any instrument imaginable. Think of a group of street musicians making sounds with glass and water. That’s experimental.”
Driving through the streets of Nicosia with the Sonic Arts CD blaring, I realise how much things have changed in recent years. It’s not just the city landscape that’s drastically altered, but the whole urban culture is changing. Sure, we’ve become part of a global community that worships all things international but we’re also doing more of our own stuff and there’s a whole new generation of artists forcing us to look inward at our own talent, rather than outward towards things we have always believed to be bigger and better.
The CD boasts some really great tracks and begs the questions, Why is it that music venues across the island vary rarely play any thing that’s actually Cypriot? Why is it that anyone who wants to get heard has to try and get their music produced abroad? And why is it that we so often rush to concerts when we hear that an international band is arriving, but may not give a second glance to a poster promoting a local event? Are we ourselves perhaps to blame for dismissing local music as being of a lower standard before we’ve even given it a chance?
It’s intended that this Sonic Arts CD will be promoted in other European countries as a record of the local music scene. As I switch off the car stereo just as Yiannis Tryfon’s ‘The World Today’ ends, I have become a convert to all things experimental.
Experimental/Sonic Arts
An experimental music event of improvisation and sound sculpture. December 29. Pantheon Cultural Association, 40 Evagorou St, Pantheon Building, Nicosia. 9pm. Free. Tel: 22 670843
