DJ Jim Q's Playlist: Liminal

Selected by our Sofia Chapter, the theme this month is an intriguing one. It is a word that is familiar, yet I don’t think I’ve actually ever used it in its root form. The word being Liminal. I certainly have used subliminal in conversations and writing, but I guess I’ve never thought about the root word too much. There is a nuanced distinction between the two words; subliminal is a state just below observability, while liminal is just beyond or partially through a threshold of perception. This transitional space is obviously a fertile territory for creativity.

The space between conscious thought and dreams is saturated with extraordinary ideas. The surrealists exploited this through a process called automatic expression where they would let their minds drift in and out of consciousness while rendering their art almost without intention. It sounds almost therapeutic and meditative. It’s no surprise that the surrealist movement was largely inspired by the seminal theories of Sigmund Freud, founder of psychoanalysis. All forms of artistic expression from prose, to visuals, to music is predicated on conjuring something from nothing. It is from the liminal spaces where we pull into existence that which didn’t exist before.

The Liminal Playlist moves through these themes of transition, becoming, emerging, and breaking through. Artists both new and old will guide you through the in-between spaces with songs from Mon Laferte, TSHA, John Coltrane, Aminé, The Doors and over 30 others.

Thank you for listening. I hope you like the selections. If you enjoy these playlists and you’re so inclined, give me a shout on Twitter and be sure to follow me on Spotify. See you next month.