Mission
The Cylinder Project revitalizes endangered languages by exploring early sound recordings with the goal of language preservation and education. It also explores the evolution of sound recording technology’s accessibility and information dissemination techniques with respective communities. When working with institutions, the Project reimagines traditional songs with contemporary musicians, aiming to share the music and its respective research with a broader audience.
Background
The Project is driven by our interest in the evolving sound recording technology and its sometimes-accidental role in preserving cultural narratives, language, and historical contexts. It also highlights the significance of language preservation, cultural assimilation, and migratory patterns in maintaining the survival of linguistic diversity.
Collaborators and supporters include The University of Wisconsin and the Mayrent Institute, Smithsonian Folkways and its UNESCO Heritage Archives, the Lincoln Center, Harvard University, and the Community Music Schools of Toronto.
What We’re Doing
The Cylinder Project collaborates with institutions and organizations to access early sound recordings of the languages and cultures being explored. The songs are shared with contemporary musicians who work with the Cylinder Project reimagine and record “new” versions that keep the stories and meaning of each song intact. Each song is worked on with artists or partners of the respective cultures and backgrounds, as well as educators and community leaders with the intention of sharing the final music and associated research with a wider public audience. The Project has also developed customizable in-school presentations focused on the evolution of sound technology and language and cultural preservation through song. Each song and its development is for educational purposes. No music is available commercially for sale.