Overcoming sonic stalemates: representing cultural diversity in sample packs

The principal subject of the research: This engagement fellowship takes the completed Instruments INDIA sound archive (established 2013), with its five hours of sound recordings of 28 Indian musical instruments as a central resource to engage others with diversity in sample pack creation and distribution. Working in partnership with Milap (the UK's leading Indian Arts Development Trust) and leading sample pack developers/distributors (Loopmasters, Symphonic and Ableton), sample packs will be created and distributed together with new guidance on sample pack content, labelling and representation. By creating sample packs curated from this archive of sound material for use amongst the wider sample-based music community, recordings of Indian musical instruments will be accessed and applied in new creative works not limited to the scope of single genres, styles or functions. Sample packs have a history of placing 'world music' labels onto their non-Western sound offerings and many conform to stereotyped notions of what is regarded as Indian music. In addressing these outdated, incorrect and often prejudiced perceptions, conversations can take place between musicians, creators, sample pack distributors, educators and academics to consider sound's role in reflecting, appreciating and celebrating cultures.
Key aims: Widening access to such sample packs will increase uptake of materials within sample-based music of differing genres from broader user demographics (including BAME), benefiting musicians, creators and producers in the creative industries. Packaging Instruments INDIA into accessible sample packs takes steps to dismantle stereotypes still prevalent in this sector and deepens understanding of diversity. Foregrounding contributing musicians within the process of sample creation provides an opportunity to make visible the authors of these unique sounds, enabling their voices to be heard in the digital landscape of sample downloads. More ambitiously, the circulation of such sounds is a move towards building acceptance and tolerance of difference through sound and its application.
A case for role modelling via diverse sample pack availability is made here together with aspirational mirroring (where users are able to see and hear aspects of their culture in operation within all walks of society, including sample distribution services). Access to high quality audio samples across leading sample pack distribution platforms will promote resources from underrepresented or overlooked groups of our creative industry. Sharing technical know-how to promote oneself through online platforms provides a CPD element within and beyond Milap's networks.
Where and how the research would be undertaken: Keele University as the host institution will be the base for project work to be undertaken. A series of online engagement activities will be conducted as a means of creating an archive of these events:
- An engagement panel discussing sample pack creation, diversity and representation in the respective fields of sample pack distributors, creators, musicians and music bodies.
- Training sessions for Music and Music Technology educators on sample pack use within teaching situations encouraging consideration for diversity and representation.
- Reconnection opportunities informing sample packs users with the musicians who created these sounds.
- Published open access guidance regarding good practice for sample packs creation.
Who else would be involved: The project continues its partnership with Milap and builds on connections with online sample pack distributors (Ableton, Symphonic and Loopmasters). Links with music bodies (MusicHE and Sound and Music) will be continued to convene events and promote new creative opportunities. A PGRA and audio technician will undertake sample pack curatorial work and engagement activities, and will both play a pivotal role in promoting the availability of these new resources.