The Music

Eunoia Society was founded in 2019 to support Armstrong’s dissertation research in the Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology program at the University of California-Irvine. The group’s instrumentation includes a hybrid cajon kit, electric bass, guitar, and electric violin. Their current work aims to offer contemplative and therapeutic groove-based music for listeners. 

Armstrong’s work interrogates contemporary music’s usage of time-based processing, repetition, and drones. Her research is partially informed by how and why ancient societies performed their rituals and ceremonies in caves. Caves contain reflective surfaces that acoustical architects have tried to recreate when building amphitheaters and catholic churches. Since people practiced spirituality in caves, time-based processing, such as reverb and delay, has become a part of Eunoia’s compositional and production work. 

The ensemble demonstrates working models of how composers, including beat-makers, can explore techniques for creating music for immersive environments, such as multi-channel audio systems for spatial performances and performing within augmented spaces such as virtual reality. Possessing an innovative and audacious spirit, Eunoia Society utilizes the latest technological advances in audio while composing music that entertains its audiences.