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Psych

Dealing With Psychedelics In Music Making and Consumption

The world of art creation and its consumption can be a whirlwind of emotions. As such, people have their routines and rituals to aid them in creating or consuming art. From making music in a dark room to making music in the company of friends, making music all by themselves, and making music under the influence, there have been different ways people have employed to make music. Making music under the influence is familiar to music-making. Years later, artists have come out to speak about how they have made music under the influence of various substances, including alcohol, weed, and other drugs.

Psychedelics

While the consumption of alcohol and drugs has been under scrutiny by people of diverse societies based on beliefs, effects of the use, and fear of addiction and abuse, other schools of thought encourage the proper use of some of these drugs and alcohol consumption while maintaining a firm stance against the abuse of them. As stated earlier, the use of some of these drugs has been described as useful by some creatives who shared their experience with drugs like weed.

However, this article seeks to take a nose dive into the world of psychedelics and how it is dealt with in music creation and consumption by both artists and consumers alike. Psychedelics are described as psychoactive substances that affect one’s senses. That is, it causes a change in one’s mood, perception of things, and cognitive comprehension of time and emotions. While the drug is prescribed by medical practitioners for health complications, others consume the drug of their own choice. Reasons for why someone would indulge in the use of psychedelics differ from person to person. However, just like weed and alcohol, there have been assertions that people indulge in psychedelics for music creation or its consumption.

Psychedelics

To provide a personal experience and uncover the truth to such assertions, we speak to some individuals under anonymity who share their experiences with the drug as artists and consumers. 

Do

I was introduced to psychedelics by my former coworkers. If you ask me, I’d forever be grateful to them for that. I have very massive self-control, if I don’t have it then I don’t have it, but if I have it available, then I must use it. All the time, it’s my favourite thing to do. My friends and I did it a lot of times in college, it’s a surreal feeling. 

Under the influence, I feel all the hidden beats, and to some extent, I can even taste the music. Under the influence, I can decipher the meaning of every line, every hidden meaning or line will not go unnoticed. When I’m sober, I just enjoy the music, knowing how I’ve solved every puzzle regarding the sound. It makes it sound better.

Re

My introduction to psychedelics was through my curiosity. Watched a couple of documentaries and researched extensively about them. There’s no risk of possible addiction to psychedelics. It’s not been reported anywhere that a person was addicted to shrooms. I’ve had shrooms with me for a long while now and I’ve not taken some in months. Their effects make it hard for you to want to use it every day

I listen to music often as I’m on the psychedelics. On cannabis that’s like every day but with psychedelics most times you’re very particular about what you listen to. Sometimes you want just vibes like tame impala or Amaarae. Sometimes you want to just chill with your thoughts. When I’m sober I just hear the music most often. There’s no analysis of the layers of sounds nor the intent listening of lyrics. It’s the opposite when I’m under the influence. It’s better. The smallest of sounds and notes  are easy to catch

Mi

I was first introduced to psychedelics in my early 20s, and it was an edible. The person who was my guide made sure I took an amount that was not beyond my tolerance level. As a result, I’m strict with my indulgence. I take my psychedelics that way and I indulge in them only when it’s the weekend or a holiday, or I just want to reward myself after a long day. I’m also not addicted to psychedelics because I can go months without it and then randomly remember that it’s been a while since I saw Mary Jane.

It’s a very funny thing honestly. Music, when I’m sober, makes me think “I know I’d be obsessed with this song when I’m high”, and music, when I’m high, makes me think “This is a very beautiful song. How come I didn’t hear the violin on this track on my first listen?”. My brain is usually very silent when I’m on psychedelics, and this gives me the chance to appreciate music and the production of various songs. Most of my favorite songs I discovered when I was baked and I loved the way my imagination flowed with the song. Very often, usually to purely appreciate the craft and the musical genius of an artist.

Fa

There is a small difference (the difference between creating under the influence and creating sober). The difference is in our heads. When the need arises and I have to create and work I’ll do it sober or not sober. I don’t believe I need substances to create. I’ve always been an amazing artist even in my childhood

I don’t think any of the drugs or substances I do influence my emotions when creating, maybe it’s because I’m also a trained actor. So I’m able to summon emotions as a performance at will, after a few takes and a little meditation, rehearsals, and workshopping the character I’ll deliver a stunning performance. Sober or not sober. What weed helps with is that I’m able to shut down the usual crowd of voices in my head and focus. Also with being neurodivergent, I don’t necessarily need weed to focus and work. Sometimes some of the attention deficit plays out as me forgetting everything else and getting lost in my work for hours, days, weeks, etc

NB: Names have been changed to protect privacy.

Written by Nana Kojo Mula

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