Save the noise: Supportive acts and works in Japanese noise music in the COVID-19 pandemic

Luca Proietti, "Save the noise: Supportive acts and works in Japanese noise music in the COVID-19 pandemic". 

Panel 6 : L’artiste et la représentation de son milieu / The artist and the representation of his environment 

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic not only disrupted our lives but placed challenges to overcome an unexpected event and find solutions to support and recover. Given the global emergency, it is natural to think how in the realm of the performing arts, the weight of this disruption has threatened the underground, leading artists, insiders, and fans to find the inspiration to carry on their activities or bring supportive intent to survive the crisis. Based on a research project focused on the cultural engagement of Japanese noise music, this paper delves into this experimental and subcultural scene to underline the means of survival that led the related acts to help and strengthen the local community in the face of the crisis and produce inspirational noise that can broaden globally. Considering findings from both online and in-person fieldwork, this paper will consider noise music albums directly inspired by the pandemic and the solutions that have been implemented by local venues with the help of the internet and technology (e.g. online concerts, Bandcamp profiles) to inquire about the preservation of the independent cultural and social identity of Japanese noise and how its existence goes hand in hand with the inner supportive and “healing” aspect of noise. 

Colloque "Le Japon sonore : modernité, constructions sociales, rapports de force / Japan and sound: modernity, social constructs and power relations" 14-16 novembre 2024, organisé par Jeremy Corral (UMRU 24140 D2IA, Université Bordeaux Montaigne) et par Chiharu Chûjô (EA 4186-IETT, Université Jean Moulin Lyon 3).

More informations: https://mshbordeaux.hypotheses.org/10930