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Technologies of Hypnagogia: Altered Perception and Religions in Avant-Garde Electronic Music

Jason Bivins

Religions March 5, 2026 DOI: 10.3390/rel17030324 (opens in new tab)

Study at a glance

AI-extracted from the abstract
Characteristics Theoretical or philosophical paper Peer reviewed
Topics Dreaming
Keywords Perception Consciousness Element criminal law Intersection aeronautics Electronic music Affect linguistics Aesthetics Cognitive science Epistemology Communication
Key points Argues that the lineage from John Cage through William Basinski provides a compelling addition to the study of religion and sound/music.

Abstract

One important element of twentieth-century avant-garde composition is the intersection between advances in technology and transformations in religious consciousness and experience. This piece argues that the lineage from John Cage through Pierre Schaeffer, Pauline Oliveros, Alvin Lucier, Eliane Radigue, and William Basinski make for a compelling addition to the study of religion and sound/music.