What do world music and the virtual world of Second Life have to do with each other? For starters, musicians from all over the world can access a new audience for their music. And audiences from all over the world can locate new music in a fun and interactive way.

Starting on August 21, 2008, Second Life host Thaylon Singh will kick off his World Music Explorer virtual listening series. Think of it as a virtual living room get together where folks can become exposed to new music and share ideas. Except in this case, the living room is Muse of Fire, an arts collective in the online 3D world of Second Life.

“One of the things I am really hoping to do is demystify the term ‘world music’ and show people that what they hear on the radio (especially in the US) is only a fraction of the great music available if we just take a moment to listen,” says Thaylon Singh, host of the World Music Explorer series in conjunction with Phorkyad Acropolis and Meghamora Woodward, owners of Muse of Fire.

Thaylon (aka Blues/Roots artist Jeremy dePrisco in RL) has drawn much inspiration from music all over the world after becoming fed up with the limited scope of local Classic Rock radio. Thaylon hopes that listeners will join him in exploring new musics. “Now more than ever, through various forms of media and forms of community, we have an opportunity to open our ears to new sounds. And now, more than ever, that opportunity brings with it the chance to discover other aspects of culture and connect on a different level as human beings,” Thaylon says.

All events at 7pm EST, 4 pm PST (SLT)

August 21
Intro to World Music
Discussion Topic:  What is World Music?

September 18
Italy
Finding great music on vacation

All events are 4pm PST, 7pm EST. A possible schedule for 2009 is in the works. Suggestions and feedback are welcome. To explore further, here are some links:

Muse of Fire
SL landmark
Phorkyad Acropolis       
Second Life (signup is free)

Playlists:

August 21, 2008

Sept 18, 2008