Exploring Sense of Self - Climate Change and Anxiety Through Music
Open Access
Author:
Flannery, Jack
Area of Honors:
Music Technology
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
Document Type:
Thesis
Thesis Supervisors:
Steven C Rice, Thesis Supervisor Curtis Craig, Thesis Honors Advisor
Keywords:
music climate change anxiety concept album nature data sonification
Abstract:
This thesis showcases a concept album of original music, Atlas Park, that addresses the themes of self-care, anxiety, and climate change. The story focuses on the author of the music and this thesis (Jack Flannery) having recently graduated college and trying to adjust to a new job while still working through their mental health issues. With one of their mental health issues being anxiety, much of the music focuses on trying to let go of social related anxieties and to live the life they have always wanted to- which includes being able to support the fight against the climate crisis. Some of the tracks have climate data sonified elements to them- whether it be how often an instrument or sound is heard, time signatures, or the melody, they are controlled by mappings from climate change related datasets. Some of these datasets include global temperature deviations since the 1880s, natural disasters across the globe, and usage of coal for energy in the United States.
