Monologue V: Hidden Story

Commissioned by Jordan Walsh, this work for bass drum

and electronics explores the complexities of identity. While

Jordan and I share a Hispanic background, our lived experiences

differ: Jordan is connecting with his Mexican ancestry

now as an adult, whereas my connection is ever-present

as an immigrant. The narrative we weave is one of resonance

and nostalgia, articulated through the drum’s flexible

vocabulary of strikes, scratches, and rolls. We further expand

this dialogue through the computer, a “metacultural”

device offering a vast landscape of sonic possibilities. The

piece is also informed by the batá drumming of Santería;

in this Afro-Caribbean tradition, drummers use their instruments

to speak directly to the Orishas, who communicate

solely through the language of the drum. For this work, I

wrote a short poem in Spanglish addressing the duality between

“here” and “there,” and between reality and dreams.

At the end of the piece, the text blends with the bass drum

to give the instrument a voice and to elevate the meaning

of words.

Poem is found here:

I find myself here, indagando en las afirmaciones

I find myself there, roaming, tanteando entre soluciones

Soy esto que escribo, struggle and sensuality

Soy aquello que sueño, presence and absence

— José Martínez