the world of music (new series) 14 (2), 2025 now online

This themed issue presents current research on the interplay between music, sound and the environment across the Australasian region and beyond. Seven case studies explore how the relationship between people and their environment is mediated through music and/or sound and how they foster a more holistic rather than human-centered mindset, which might well be fundamental in redressing environmental crises. In the articles on music and dance traditions in this volume, sound and movement encompass the socio-cultural construction of place: spaces that have meanings through people's interaction with the physical environment over time. The issue emphasises Indigenous authorship and ownership of place-centred knowledge, working against the dominant frameworks which have through history prioritised representation of white, university-educated voices, neglecting the voices of those educated outside of these systems including Indigenous scholars and tradition bearers. The contributing authors all work within an academic tradition which values long term relationships with communities and reciprocity to ensure that there are benefits which go back to the communities and people who have shared this information. Many of these activities are discussed in the articles in this special issue.