John Miller
While the idea of listening to mushrooms may seem unusual, it is not a new concept. There have been various projects and studies that have explored the unique sounds and music created by mushrooms. One notable example is the use of PlantWave, a technology that translates data from biological systems into musical notes, allowing people to listen to the steadily droning sounds of mushrooms. Additionally, some individuals have created psychedelic playlists to accompany the ingestion of psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms, to enhance their experience. These playlists often feature classical music and are designed to accompany the different stages of a psychedelic journey. Whether through technology or the use of psychedelics, listening to mushrooms can provide a unique and mind-altering experience that has intrigued and fascinated many.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Method | Using wires, radio waves, circuits, and technology like PlantWave |
| Musical Output | Ranges from a drone to sparkly flourish depending on the activity of the mushroom |
| Music Type | Classical, Psychedelic, House |
| Platforms | Spotify, PlantWave app |
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What You'll Learn
Using technology to hear mushrooms
While it may seem far-fetched, it is possible to use technology to hear mushrooms. This idea is based on the concept of extracting sounds embedded in the biological world, tapping into living systems that are not typically considered sonic resources. One approach to achieving this involves using wires, radio waves, and circuits to explore the electromagnetic communication potential of mushrooms. This method, though more artistic than scientific, sparks curiosity about the hidden sounds of nature.
One notable project in this field is called Mycophone, which employs a unique setup to listen to the sounds of mold spores and mushrooms. Mycophone utilizes a custom music box, signal processors, and contact microphones integrated into a mixing board for sonic spores. The resulting creation is described as "a new kind of biotech organism," an acoustic entity that produces sounds akin to those made by various biological organisms. Interestingly, petting its hairy mycelia fur causes its voice to change, almost like a purr.
Another technology that enables us to hear mushrooms is PlantWave. PlantWave translates data from biological systems into musical notes, offering a unique perspective on the world of mushrooms. When connected to a mushroom, PlantWave can stream notes to a phone app, where different instruments can be selected to interpret the mushroom's signals. The mushrooms often create a steady drone, indicating less activity or shifts in conductivity compared to plants.
By utilizing these innovative technologies, we can explore the unseen and unheard aspects of the biological world, uncovering the unique sounds and signals of mushrooms. This intersection of nature and technology opens up new avenues for understanding and appreciating the hidden language of mushrooms and other living organisms.
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The purring, electromagnetic weirdness of mushrooms
The idea of listening to mushrooms may seem bizarre, but it is a real endeavour that has been explored by some innovative and curious individuals. It involves tapping into the electromagnetic communication potential of mushrooms, using unconventional methods to uncover the hidden sounds of the biological world. This exploration blurs the lines between art and science, presenting a unique way to experience nature.
One notable project, led by a group called Mycophone, sought to uncover the sounds of mushrooms and mould spores. They crafted a peculiar setup, consisting of a custom music box, signal processors, and contact microphones, all interconnected with a mixing board designed for sonic spores. The result was an acoustic organism that produced a purring sound, almost like a cat's purr when its fur is stroked. This "biotech organism" demonstrated a new way to interact with and listen to the natural world.
Another approach to listening to mushrooms is through the use of PlantWave, a device that translates data from biological systems into musical notes. When connected to mushrooms, PlantWave revealed that mushrooms tend to create a steady drone, indicating less activity or shifts in conductivity compared to plants. However, the musical output can vary, ranging from a drone during periods of low activity to a sparkly flourish when the mushrooms are more active.
The concept of listening to mushrooms may seem like a strange curiosity, but it opens up a new dimension of exploration and understanding of the natural world. It invites us to consider the hidden languages and sounds that exist beyond our typical auditory perception. By embracing this "Fungal FM," we can eavesdrop on nature's silent signals and discover the electromagnetic weirdness of mushrooms.
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Music to enhance a mushroom trip
Music is an integral part of enhancing a mushroom trip and creating a therapeutic experience. The right music can guide and support a participant's experience, while the wrong music can kill the trip. Psychologist Bill Richards, who has been involved in psychedelic research since 1963, has crafted a playlist that has been pivotal to Johns Hopkins' psychedelic studies for over two decades. This playlist is divided into segments: background music, music for the ascent, the peak, the post-peak, and the "welcome back" music. The music in each section is chosen to accompany a particular part of the psychedelic journey. For instance, Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" works well as participants approach the peak, as the music chromatically develops and reaches a climax. Similarly, Henryk Gorecki's Symphony No. 3, also known as "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs," is a powerful composition that can help unlock elevated states of consciousness. Rob Jacobs, a participant in the Johns Hopkins study, described his experience with this symphony as "unbelievably beautiful," as it captured the beauty and sadness of existence.
The structure and tone of the music are important considerations when creating a playlist for a mushroom trip. While mostly classical music has been used in the Johns Hopkins playlist, the Usona Institute has adapted the playlist to include Spanish guitar, non-Western classical music, and modern works with some classical structure. The idea is to create a blend of resonance with the music and emotional and psychological challenges that are beneficial for the trip.
When creating your own playlist for a mushroom trip, it is essential to consider the ambiance and your mindset, as these elements can significantly influence your experience. It is also worth noting that the musical output can vary depending on the activity of the mushrooms. While listening to mushrooms through a medium like PlantWave, pay attention to the tempo, pacing, range of notes, and the overall structure of the music. Ambient music, which originated in the 1970s with pioneers like Brian Eno, is also a good choice for a mushroom trip as it offers a diverse soundscape.
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The perfect psychedelic playlist
Music and psychedelics have long been intertwined, with the right soundtrack having the potential to elevate your trip to another level. The synergy between the two goes back a long way, with shamans singing 'magic songs' during ayahuasca ceremonies.
Today, there are a plethora of scientifically-informed playlists designed to accompany psychedelic journeys, with the music chosen to match the different phases of the experience. The Imperial College of London, Johns Hopkins Center for Psychedelic and Consciousness Research, and MAPS all offer playlists informed by their research. The music in these playlists is carefully chosen to accompany the different phases of a psychedelic journey, from pre-onset to descent. For example, the Johns Hopkins playlist includes a mostly classical build-up, with some Enya, The Beatles, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Outside of these scientific endeavours, there are many artists creating music specifically designed for psychedelic trips. Trevor Oswalt, also known as East Forest, has been creating music for journeys for over a decade, including the aptly named 'Music For Mushrooms: A Soundtrack For The Psychedelic Practitioner'. Mexican DJ and producer Iñigo Vontier’s latest album, SIENA, is another example of a psychedelic playlist, with its ambient sound guided by ancient shaman rituals.
When crafting the perfect psychedelic playlist, it's important to consider the different phases of the trip and choose music that will complement each stage. The music should also reflect the desired emotional experience and intended outcome of the trip. For example, tribal percussion loops can help induce a trance-like state, while more chilled psychedelic music can create a dream-like atmosphere.
- "LA Trance" by Four Tet
- "Satan Speaks!" by Kalbata feat. Tigris
- "Milk Beach" by Dreems
- "Hatzipor" by The White Screen
- "Amnesias" by Perkunas
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How mushrooms can make you less afraid of death
Psilocybin, the active ingredient in so-called "magic mushrooms", has been the subject of a growing body of medical research in recent years. Scientists are interested in its therapeutic potential for treating severe mental health problems, alcohol addiction, and anxiety and depression in patients with advanced cancer.
In one of the largest clinical investigations of psychedelic drugs to date, researchers at Johns Hopkins University and New York University found that a single dose of psilocybin substantially reduced depression and anxiety in patients with advanced cancer. The experience appeared to be deeply meaningful spiritually and personally, and very healing in the context of people’s understanding of their illness and how they manage that going forward.
In a survey study of more than 3,000 adults, Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers compared psychedelic experiences with near-death experiences that were not drug-related and found notable similarities in people’s attitudes toward death. Survey participants in both groups reported having less fear of death and dying after the experience. They also reported that the experience had a lasting positive effect, providing personal meaning, spiritual significance, and psychological insight.
In another study, a randomized trial of 51 patients with cancer who had clinically significant anxiety or depressive symptoms, researchers found that receiving a controlled, high dose of psilocybin given with supportive psychotherapy resulted in significant increases in ratings of death acceptance, as well as decreases in anxiety about death.
While the enduring effects of psilocybin are still not fully understood, the available research suggests that mushrooms can indeed make people less afraid of death.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to listen to mushrooms. One way is to use a PlantWave, which translates data from biological systems into notes. Another way is to use wires, radio waves, and circuits to tap into the electromagnetic communication potential of mushrooms. Alternatively, you could ingest a psychedelic drug like psilocybin and listen to music through headphones.
The musical output of mushrooms can range from a drone when they are less active to a sparkly flourish when more active. The music can be played using a variety of instruments, such as electrical piano, bass, chimes, and flute.
Listening to mushrooms can provide a unique and mind-bending way to eavesdrop on nature's silent signals. It can also be a spiritually revealing experience that makes one less frightened of death and more committed to a spiritual path.
A good playlist for a psychedelic journey with mushrooms includes a mix of classical music and psychedelic tracks. Classical pieces like Henryk Górecki's "Symphony of Sorrowful Songs" and Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" can help unlock elevated states of consciousness. Psychedelic tracks like Koray Kantarcıoğlu's "AC RU 29, PT. 1" and Angus Dreems's "Milk Beach" can enhance the tripping experience.
