Secret Sound is a podcast and research project focusing on the esoteric history of American music, from the 18th century to the 20th century. For over 10 years host Matt Marble has been researching marginalized American artists and the esoteric traditions that have empowered their work. From psychic pianists to prophetic instrument-makers, these artists have found inspiration from deep within and far, far away, often musically expressing themselves in experimental and imaginative ways. While through the inner affirmations and progressive social values operative across many esoteric traditions, this history is also naturally diverse, being explicitly inclusive of women, people of color, and LGBTQ artists.
Each episode focuses on a single artist and explores their biography, creative process, musical works, and spiritual influences. Along the way, listeners are introduced to diverse esoteric traditions, such as Theosophy, spiritualism, Obeah, Enochian Magic, and more. We’ll also explore aspects of American history and society as broader contexts to these traditions and the artists drawn to them.
All episodes are free to stream or download. Also available on iTunes and Spotify.
For more info or to schedule presentations/interviews, contact: scrtsnd@gmail.com
ESOTERIC = eso- ("interior"), -teric ("the most") = "the most interior"
I use the term "esotericism" to refer--above all else--to our internal experience and our active engagement with its four numinous "I's": Intuition, Imagination, Inspiration, and Insight.
Check out the 2-hour music special I made for Dublab radio: LISTEN