NYX - Mutualism

The product of an iterative process of communal collaboration, Mutualism was developed over lockdown in 2020 by electronic drone choir NYX, spoken word and sound artist MA.MOYO, aka Belinda Zhawi, and visual artist Nick Cobby. Described by NYX as “a metamorphic meditation, embodying our relationship with nature, symbiosis transformation and collective consciousness”, the 11-minute audiovisual work emerged from what the choir term ‘symbiotic working,’ intended to generate “a true sense of connection, expression and interdependence.” Unfolding from the image of a match being struck deep within a mass of dense and twisted foliage, Mutualism is slow, introspective trip through the leaves, stones and earth of the natural world, a call and response between the modulated vocal tones, live electronics and instrumental arrangements of NYX, the lysergic visuals of Nick Cobby and the incantatory performance of MA.MOYO. “Moving slowly together, each phase of development returned a collective of 14 artists to creatively respond to each new iteration, an evolving relationship that became more than the sum of its parts,” explains NYX. Originally devised as 360-degree projection, the above presentation sees the work condensed into a single channel. Revealing itself slowly, Mutualism takes on the resonance of an esoteric ceremony, with NYX’s redefinition of choral music at once gesturing towards devotional forms while shedding light on the potential for new forms of communal performance and practice. By the time the piece bursts into fractals, heralding a stunning, textural polyphony of voice both sung and spoken, it is clear that, through the collective’s process of symbiotic working, Mutualism is a meditation that envelops both artist and audience in service of a truly interdependent experience. It’s an urge that is reflected in Zhawi’s words, which continually return to a central mantra: “meet me in the middle.” Invoking fire, air, earth and water, MA.MOYO relates natural elements to her own physical senses, situating her body within a shared space and aligning herself to the world around her. “My freedom / Is your freedom,” she asserts. “For that is the only way to live.” ‘Mutualism’ is out now, on the NYX Bandcamp. The choir have enlisted Anna Wall, Deena Abdelwahed and LCY for Mutualism Remixed, which is also available now on the NYX Bandcamp. You can find MA.MOYO on Instagram. For more information about Nick Cobby and his work you can visit his website. For more information about NYX and their projects, visit their website and follow them on Instagram. Mutualism Lyrics: Meet me in the middle Says the fire My freedom is your freedom Yours is mine Freedom The grey matter in between Is ours to share But you hold the bow and I the arrow Its tip in my chest You’re pulling away I’m letting go Will you meet me in the middle Meet me in the middle Says the air Lying on my back, suspended With nothing but air beneath me With nothing but space beneath me With nothing but time beneath me And the end Is the middle Meet me in the middle Says the earth You nourish me with your songs Funny, and sad Your words hold me Anchored Dug into the soil I live by your means By your cycles For that is the only way to live Meet me in the middle Says the water Your dilated eyes watch the clouds gather Meet me in the middle Is the hour before dusk The creek high Reflecting low sky My freedom Is your freedom Is mine Is yours Is my freedom Is your freedom Mutualism Credits: Composer and Producer – Sian O’Gorman Words – MA.MOYO Contributing Vocalists – Adélaïde Pratoussy, Cecilia Forssberg, Kelechi Anucha, MA.MOYO, Ruth Corey, Rebekah Alero, Shireen Qureshi, Sian O’Gorman Saxophone – David Boyce Creative Directors – Josh Thomas, Philippa Neels, Sian O’Gorman Motion Designer and Animator – Nick Cobby 3D Sound Design – Peter Rice Embodiment Director – Imogen Knight Remixes – Anna Wall, Deena Abdelwahed, LCY Mastering – James Rand Executive Producers – Josh Thomas, Philippa Neels Production – NYX Collective Records Ltd. Mutualism was created with the generous support of Arts Council England and Help Musicians UK, PRS Foundation’s Women Make Music.