Ep 009: Songs for the Spirit - Culturally Responsive Music Education with Soul Science Lab

In this episode, I have an invigorating conversation with the educational-musical duo of The Soul Science Lab. The Soul Science Lab, founded in 2012 in Brooklyn, NYC consists of musicians, Chen Lo and Asante Amin, who incorporate their beliefs of music, spirituality, metaphysics, Afro-futurism, cultural arts, technology, history, and how these ideas intersect with African-centeredness. In this episode, we discuss: · Philosophies of time, history, and future realities and how educators can connect historical experiences to contemporary experiences · Challenges that schools face with incorporating music and arts lessons and curriculum · How music can be a conduit for personal growth and community development · Why hip-hop is a viable tool to teach young people about traditional disciplines as well as social issues · The breakdown of metaphysics, manifestation, and African spirituality and its role with teaching Black youth · The significance of science & technology with teaching · The politics of Black creation and production About The Soul Science Lab: Innovative. Afro. Futuristic. Griots. Soul Science Lab (SSL), is a Brooklyn, NY based music and multimedia duo that translates stories into soul stirring sounds and dynamic visuals. Soul Science Lab was formed by artist, educator and creative director, Chen Lo, and multi‐instrumentalist, composer and producer, Asante’ Amin. SSL produces high quality, music, provides innovative arts education and creates culturally responsive experiences. In addition to international touring, Soul Science Lab’s current projects include Chen Lo’s album Footprints, Amin’s album The Visitor: Alter Destiny, the live concert and multimedia documentary Soundtrack’63 and their newly released interactive album, Plan for Paradise. More about the Soul Science Lab:  To stay connected with the Soul Science Lab, feel free to visit www.soulsciencelab.com. On Wednesday, July 29th at 2pm, Chen Lo and Asante Amin will explore how Black artists of the Civil Rights and Black Power movements used their art to inspire, raise awareness, and fight oppression in Soul Science Lab's Soundtrack '63, as part of the Learn with Carnegie Hall virtual series. Soul Science Lab has 2 Soundtrack '63-focused programs and 1 kids/family concert available to view/stream, presented by Lincoln Center, including: Pop-Up Classroom: Protest Music with Soul Science Lab, Soundtrack '63 (abbreviated version)and Soul Science Kids. To contact Soul Science Lab, please e-mail [email protected]. For press, performance, education workshop, music and multi-media booking inquiries, please contact Jasu Sims at [email protected]