The human fascination with the Cosmos is an incredibly romantic notion, but current endeavours in space exploration are based on problematic attitudes. In the 20th and 21st century, our engagement with outer space is based on militant, capitalist and colonialist views. It is not in the name of all humankind, nor does it encourage a sustainable form of off-Earth living. Perhaps there is a better way for us to pose our plight to the stars, one which represents more of humankind; one which respects that the universe does not belong to us, but invites us to visit it and admire it, leaving only footprints behind us.
Introducing a folk music culture to space exploration may allow us to engage with the environment of space, and each other in a healthier manner. A creative and collaborative practice, folk music encourages an alternate approach to living; one which respects and celebrates the natural environment, and is open to all regardless of socio-economic background. It provides a method of communication which reads more emotively, and in some cases, transcends language barriers.
Martian Folk Music explores how these ideas might manifest on the Red Planet. The Martian Folk Instrument is made from the same material as recycled satellites. It's distinctly tailored for Mars, respecting it as a non-human entity. The body, based on a natural Martian form, is hollow for bass resonance, so it can be heard in the Martian atmosphere. The sound hole is oval shaped to reflect the elliptical heliocentric orbit of Mars. The changeable instrument bridges are silhouettes of Martian mountain ranges, cast in aluminium. It's an object to give Mars its own sonic geography and regional identity, and a tool for planting the seeds of folk culture on another planet.
