EPISTEMIC DRIFT
Most of us scientists live in our heads, endlessly generating content. But advances in science will require more than new ideas. They will require innovations in form. Tone. Syntax. Sound. And they demand new forms of science communication.
It’s time to broaden the repertoire: What if science could be communicated through pop music? What if science itself could be a soundtrack?
Epistemic Drift is the first and only pop-rock band dedicated to turning science into songs. Participatory, entertaining, and witty, we mix original tracks with playful covers, invite you to join the performance, and change the social conversation around science.
We do four things:
-
Cover your favorite rock & pop songs about science
-
Jam live with audiences, including shy but curious academics
-
Write our own science songs
-
Turn your academic papers into soundtracks - and occasionally into cartoons
The musical conversation around science
There is content and there is form - or so we are told.
Content is what is said - a matter of words and concepts. Form is seen as the vehicle. It is syntax, diction, imagery, sound.
This distinction between content and form is harmless enough. But shifting to content as form and form as content gives us a new experience of the world. A new freedom to understand, sense, and explore without sticking to an explanation or interpretation.
Priscilla Van Even is a research fellow and lecturer at the Meaningful Interactions Lab (KU Leuven), who works at the intersection of sci com, art-science, and participatory science. Using co-creative methods, such as her own card game, she engages diverse publics in conversations around science. She writes and performs original music. She is one half of Kraft Funk, a duo that blends craftsmanship with funk.
Michiel Van Oudheusden is an associate professor (VU Amsterdam) with a passion for science, art, and innovation. He leads research projects on citizen science and responsible innovation. He is a musician with two CD releases. He loves brewing, pouring, and tasting tea.
Keje Boersma is an assistant professor of science communication and science-society relations (VU Amsterdam). He seeks to bring philosophy to sci com practice and climate and environmental thinking. He loves music, and - with the exception of family and friends - little else.
Hans Boeykens is an independent award-winning illustrator whose work has appeared in children's books, sci fi magazines, and romance tales. He has three dogs and is a passionate landscape gardener.
GALLERY
