Earth Day is an event dedicated to environmental protection. It has been running since 1970 and is celebrated on April 22.
In recognition of this, we are highlighting music related to ecomusicology, environmental activism, and celebrations of the Earth. We believe it is important to recognize the ways that the Earth shapes music, and how musicians can shape the Earth.
In our display you’ll be able to find a variety of works related to these topics. Some highlights include Ecomusicology: rock, folk, and the environment and Sustainable futures for music cultures: An ecological perspective, in order to learn more about ecomusicology (the study of music and the environment).
If you are interested in how music intersects with environmental activism you can check out A song to save the Salish Sea: musical performance as environmental activism, The angry planet: an environmental cantata, and Women Warriors: the voices of change.
If you would like to learn more about how the Earth shapes music around the world you can find The land is sung: Zulu performances and the politics of place, Finding the singing spruce: musical instrument makers and Appalachia’s mountain forests, and The drop that contained the Sea: works on the theme of water.
In addition to these there are many more materials featured in our display. We encourage you to stop by and take a look this month.
Other resources available through the library:
- Current directions in ecomusicology: music, culture, nature
- Hearing Nature: Approaching International Environmental Communication through Music and Sound
- Ìrègún Music and Sounding Spaces among Yagba-Yoruba People of Nigeria
- Sounds, ecologies, musics
- To Dream Again: Thoughts on Island Soundscapes and Environmentalism
- Voicing Sápmi, defending Sápmi: Environmental activism in Sámi popular music and music videos
We encourage you to take part in Earth Day in whatever way feels right for you. Earth Day Canada has a few suggested ideas listed on their website.