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This presentation explores how blending contrasting musical styles can drive innovation, focusing on techniques for composers and producers to draw
inspiration from diverse traditions specifically through a case study of Flamenco and EDM fusion.
I begin by outlining methods of influence, such as direct, indirect, and sign-post techniques. Emphasis is placed on how composers can evoke a genre’s
essence without quoting it directly, by engaging with its cultural practices and broader context. These indirect approaches open up new creative possibilities that may not be immediately audible but are deeply embedded in the work’s spirit.
Next, I examine composition modalities through the lens of my research into Flamenco and EDM. Flamenco, rooted in improvisation, contrasts sharply with EDM’s pre-programmed structures. I demonstrate how these differing approaches can inform and enhance each other creatively.
Finally, I present my own compositional experiments with Flamenco-infused electronic music, guided by Practical Musicology (Zagorski-Thomas, 2023). I explore the concept of affordances (Gibson, 1979), illustrating how open-string Flamenco chords are reinterpreted within digital audio workstations (DAWs). By adapting Flamenco’s resonant qualities to electronic formats, I highlight the creative potential and pushing the limitations. Audio examples will accompany this discussion.
This presentation is aimed at composers and producers seeking research-informed strategies to incorporate diverse influences into their creative practice.
Keywords: Flamenco, EDM, Cross-genre fusions
How to Cite: Polyanskiy, K. (2026) “From theory to sound: Applying research skills to develop cross-genre fusions.”, New Vistas. 12(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.36828/newvistas.375