Echoes of the Occult: Exploring Music and Esoteric Themes

Occult Imagery in Shaping the Music Industry of the Late 20th Century

Occult imagery has had a profound impact on music since the 1960s, with bands incorporating symbols and esoteric themes into their lyrics and album art. Krautrock and experimental music took this to new heights, exploring sonic frontiers with synthesizers and innovative techniques to create mystical experiences. Collectives like Cosmic Couriers (Germany) blended science fiction and esoteric philosophy, while the Vértigo label (UK) promoted conceptual albums exploring the occult.

Pioneers such as Delia Derbyshire (UK) from the BBC Radiophonic Workshop used electronic sounds to create soundscapes evoking the mystical and the esoteric. The group White Noise (UK), with Ruth White (USA) as a key member, delved into occult themes with their experimental music. Graham Bond (UK) integrated elements of occultism into his music and personal life, influenced by Aleister Crowley. Master Wilburn Burchette (USA) crafted instrumental music aimed at inducing mystical and spiritual experiences, blending innovative guitar techniques with esoteric concepts. Bruce Hack (Canada) explored the fusion of electronic music and occult themes, using experimental sounds to evoke otherworldly and mystical experiences. Mort Garson (Canada) also made a notable contribution with his album “Black Mass Lucifer,” a work that blends electronic music with themes of occult ritualism and esoteric philosophy.

The use of synthetic sounds allowed musicians to combine ancestral traditions with futuristic visions, creating new musical ritualities. Trance music, with its repetitive rhythms, sought to induce altered states of consciousness, evoking shamanic rituals and profound spiritual experiences.

In this historiographical talk, we will explore how these elements have influenced music and culture. The session will be complemented with sound examples and recordings illustrating these influences. Please note that this is not a DJ session, nor is it a talk on music theory, but a historiographical exploration of the intersections between music and the occult.

The talk is presented by J. Pablo Arce C., an artist, collector, and independent curator (Bolivia). Suggested donation is between 8 to 10 euros. Two reduced spots available at 5 euros each.