CANTICUM MEGAPTERAE II - The Evolution

The whale recording I analysed in the beginning of my bioacoustics research on whale song culture became the core of my first-ever track: Theme 7 from Canticum Megapterae – Song of the Humpback Whale. Through the mastery of some of my favourite sonic wizards Theme 7 evolved into surreal magical remixes. I feel beyond humbled and grateful to these incredible artists for their open hearts, allowing them to get inspired by the baby producer I then was, and, of course, by the amazing humpback whale on vocals! Some kept more of the original track, while others used only small parts of it. Maybe it works the same way with the whales who copy and remix each other’s songs. 

Most people ignore that animal culture is crucial for the survival of numerous species. Whales and dolphins have rich and diverse social and cultural lives. Humpback whale songs are among the most remarkable examples of animal culture. They continually evolve, but at any point in time all males in the same population sing the same version of the song. Sometimes they even replace their song with a completely different one from another population – this is called a song revolution. The degree and pace of this cultural change is unparalleled in the animal kingdom, except in humans. How and why does it happen we can only speculate. Are there specific individuals introducing the new songs and changes to the existing ones, or is it a fully collaborative effort? Perhaps some whales are more creative and innovative, while the others simply copy new hit songs which then spread through the ocean. 

In our own culture, some artists are pioneers of new musical genres, while others follow them; some add variations to known styles and others lead them in new directions. But what are the origins of music itself? 

Whales were here long before humans, and they were singing long before we ‘invented’ language and music. How will whale songs evolve in the future? Is there even a future for them?

https://innerchildmusic.bandcamp.com/album/canticum-megapterae-ii-the-evolution-16-bit
https://innerchildmusic.bandcamp.com/album/canticum-megapterae-ii-the-evolution-24-bit

Featuring humpback whale on vocals recorded by Dr Luke Rendell 
Mastering by Jordan @ Senna Sound 
Design by Goran Radosevic based on artwork by Phaabee 
Science background by Sara Niksic a.k.a. Inner Child

CANTICUM MEGAPTERAE II - The Evolution

Theme 7 Evolution Mix

Inner Child - Theme 7 Evolution Mix

Theme 7 (Entheogenic Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Entheogenic Remix)

Theme 7 (Aquiver Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Aquiver Remix)

Theme 7 (Xamãdança Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Xamãdança Remix)

Theme 7 (Chris Komus Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Chris Komus Remix)

Theme 7 (Sigil Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Sigil Remix)

Theme 7 (Balancé Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Balancé Remix)

Theme 7 (Electrypnose Remix)

Inner Child - Theme 7 (Electrypnose Remix)

Inner Child believes that artists and scientists are like kids that never quite grew up, and she is a bit of both. As a marine biologist, musician and bioacoustician, she often immerses herself in the world of sound...

“The music on her albums teaches us, among other things, just how much we have to learn.”
~ The New Yorker, ‘How a Marine Biologist Remixed Whalesong’

Inner Child a.k.a. Sara Niksic is a marine biologist, ecologist, bioacoustician, musician, music producer, storyteller and educator. Her scientific work has taken her across the world’s oceans – from Croatia to Scotland, Australia, New Zealand, California, New Caledonia, Greenland and Antarctica. For over a decade she has been studying marine mammals, with a special focus on their vocal communication, social learning and culture, as well as developing innovative approaches to science education through art. Besides having a master’s degree in marine ecology and nature conservation, she also finished music school and different courses in electronic music production.

Through her Inner Child Music record label she released a few albums of her own music, as well as compilations on which she collaborated with some of the top producers in the electronic music scene. She was voted the ‘Best New Artist for 2020’ and her albums won several awards. Her compositions float through various downtempo styles and usually contain nature recordings, most often from the ocean. Her award-winning music with whale songs has been archived by the British Library and featured in the global media including The New Yorker, Whalebone Magazine and BBC Radio.

Inner Child presented her work at some of the biggest scientific conferences, institutes and music festivals in the world, such as World Marine Mammal Conference in Spain, Falling Walls Science Summit, Berlin Science Week and Silbersalz Festival in Germany, Falling Walls Engage Hub in South Africa, Edinburgh Science Festival and Diverse Intelligences Summer Institute in Scotland, Mediterranean Institute for Life Sciences and Sea Sound Festival in Croatia, Masters of Puppets Festival in Czech Republic, Mumush Festival in Romania, Rolling Hertz and Twisted Frequency Festival in New Zealand, Boom Festival in Portugal and Ozora Festival in Hungary.

After years of living abroad, she is now back in her homeland of Croatia, where she is creating music and other magical stories in her studio by the sea.

CANTICUM MEGAPTERAE II - The Evolution

Inner Child / Inner Child Music