Secret Sound is a podcast and historical writing project focusing on the esoteric history of American music, from the 18th century to the 20th century. For over a decade I have been researching marginalized artists and the esoteric traditions that have empowered their lives and work. From Native American dream songs and psychic pianists to prophetic instrument makers and musical diviners, Secret Sound presents a musical past that is radically imaginative and radically American. Along the way we get to know the various esoteric traditions that influenced these artists—like spiritualism, Theosophy, New Thought philosophy, and Enochian magic. At the same time, many of these artists are drawn to such philosophies while inquiring into the very idea of what it means to be an American, often in pursuit of social unity, world peace, and spiritual empowerment. Here, music is then an inspired tool for deconstructing mindless habituation and for transcending the endless xenophobia which is always lurking behind and guiding the grinning facade of our nation’s outstretched hand. Inclusive of diverse races, genders, sexual orientations, spiritual beliefs, and personal expressions, Secret Sound celebrates those who survive or thrive in the margins and find extraordinary agency within.

This dublab mix is by no means an exhaustive compilation; especially as my research is ongoing. But it gives a clear sense of the inspiration, fortitude, creativity, and imagination of so many American artists who have been easily lost to history. In our current lockdown era where American identity is, perhaps more than ever, terrorized by illness, both biologically and ideologically, it’s a wonderful time to listen back and rediscover the inspired and inspiring voices hidden in our past.

Thanks to dublab for caring and sharing <3
— Matt Marble

TRACKLIST:


1. “Ostinato Pianissimo” – Henry Cowell
2. “Three Chants, II. To an Angel” – Ruth Crawford-Seeger
3. “The Old Man’s Love Song, Opus 102, N. 2” – Arthur Farwell
4. “Rothko’s Chapel, Mov 4” – Morton Feldman
5. “From the Black Belt, I. Blue” – William Grant Still
6. “String Quartet N. 2, Mov. 2” – Alan Hovhaness
7. “Live solo improvisation“ – Alice Coltrane/Turiyasangitananda
8. “Watertank Software” – Pauline Oliveros
9. “Fluud” – Jerry Hunt
10. “Quiet Ecstasy” – Sun Ra
11. “Tower of Meaning/Rabbit’s Ear/Home Away From Home” – Arthur Russell


12. “I See Where to Go Hunting in My Dreams” – John Enish (Cree dream song)
13. “With a New Tongue” – Sister Mildred R. Barker (Shaker spiritual)
14. “Now I Walk Away in Peace” (Nun Walle It Im Frieden Fort) – Ephrata Cloister Chorus


15. “Manitou Mysteries, or the Voices of the Great Spirit” – Anthony Philip Heinrich
16. “In the Cars along the Long Island Railroad” – William Sidney Mount
17. “The Rainstorm” – Thomas Wiggins/Blind Tom
18. “Narcissus” – Charles Kellogg
19. “The Unanswered Question” – Charles Ives


20. “Sonata No. 4” (Scriabin) – played by Katherine Ruth Heyman
21. “Pentagram No. 3, Mov. IV, Stars” – Dane Rudhyar


22. “Castor and Pollux: A Dance for the Twin Rhythms of Gemini: II. Pollux” – Harry Partch
23. “Six Melodies, Mov. 1” – John Cage
24. “Chant” – Moondog


25. “Scorpio” – Mary Lou Williams
26. “Welcome” – John Coltrane
27. “I Talk with the Spirits” – Rahsaan Roland Kirk
28. “On the Beach” – Philip Cohran


29. “Fire Spell” – Wilburn Burchette
30. “Movin Up A Ways” – Robbie Basho
31. “In Search of a Dream” – Bobby Frank Brown


32. “Femenine” – Julius Eastman
33. “Dream Theory” – Jon Hassell
34. “Eastern Man” – Terry Riley
35. “The Backyard” – Robert Ashley


36. “Lift Thine Eyes” – Constance Demby
37. “The Space Between” – Joanna Brouk
38. “Om Namah Shivaya” – Laraaji