The Rhythm Spells Project
A Practice-Based Cultural Research Initiative
The Rhythm Spells Project is a practice-based cultural research initiative investigating how curated rhythm environments and collective movement influence emotional regulation, social belonging, and wellbeing in urban communities.
Through live participatory music experiences, the project explores how rhythm, sound, and shared presence shape human connection in contemporary city life.
Project Leadership
Chin We – Project Lead/Cultural Researcher
Chidi Anyaeche – Scientific Adviser
Research Title
Investigating How Curated Music Experiences, Collective Movement, and Co-Presence Influence Emotional Wellbeing, Social Connection, and Vitality in Urban Communities
1. Research Context
Urban life is increasingly shaped by social fragmentation, digital saturation, and rising mental health challenges. In response, there is growing interest in community-based, non-clinical interventions that support emotional wellbeing, social belonging, and vitality.
Music and collective movement have long played a role in human social bonding, emotional regulation, and cultural expression. However, relatively little research has explored how intentionally curated music environments and shared movement experiences influence wellbeing in contemporary urban settings.
The Rhythm Spells Project explores whether carefully curated musical journeys combined with collective movement and shared presence can serve as accessible and culturally relevant wellbeing practices within urban communities.
2. Research Questions
The project investigates the following questions:
1.Music Curation and Emotional State
How does intentional music curation such as structured sonic journeys compared to passive or random listening influence emotional state, presence, and perceived connection?
2.Collective Movement and Social Belonging
What role does dancing and shared movement in a communal environment play in strengthening social belonging and reducing feelings of isolation?
3.Sonic Structure and Physiological Regulation
How do musical elements including tempo (BPM), rhythm patterns, and sonic textures influence mood, energy levels, and physiological regulation?
4.Music as a Community Wellbeing Intervention
Can curated music experiences function as scalable, community-based interventions that support wellbeing and social cohesion in urban populations?
3. Methodology
The Rhythm Spells Project adopts a mixed-methods research approach combining qualitative insight, observational ethnography, and community participation.
Living Research Environment
Monthly Rhythm Spells events in London function as living laboratories, bringing together 50–100 participants in curated musical environments designed to explore rhythm, presence, and shared experience.
Data Collection Methods
Qualitative Feedback
• participant reflection surveys
• conversation circles and community discussions
• written testimonials and personal reflections
Observational Ethnography
• curator field notes documenting crowd behaviour
• patterns of engagement, movement, and interaction
• environmental observations of energy flow and participation
Future Research Development
Subject to partnerships with academic or public health institutions, future phases may incorporate quantitative measures such as:
• mood and wellbeing scales
• heart rate variability tracking
• physiological stress markers
• behavioural mapping of group dynamics
The Rhythm Spells Project is supported by Scientific adviser Chidi Anyaeche, whose background in clinical science and life sciences contributes a scientific perspective to the research development. His advisory role supports the exploration of potential intersections between cultural practice, physiological regulation, and well being research
4. Intended Impact
The Rhythm Spells Project aims to contribute to emerging conversations around music, culture, wellbeing, and social connection.
Key objectives include:
• generating insight into music and movement as wellbeing practices
• developing accessible models for community connection through culture
• informing collaborations with researchers, public health organisations, and cultural institutions
• contributing to broader discussions on music, longevity, and urban mental health
The research also seeks to explore how cultural spaces can function as sites of knowledge creation and collective wellbeing.
5. Long-Term Vision
The long-term ambition of the Rhythm Spells Project is to develop a scalable framework for music-based community wellbeing practices.
Future directions may include:
• multi-day immersive research retreats
• cross-cultural research collaborations
• partnerships with public health bodies and cultural institutions
• development of music-based wellbeing programmes for urban communities
• documentation and publication of research findings
Ultimately, the project aims to position rhythm, music, and collective movement as valuable tools for supporting wellbeing, connection, and vitality in modern societies.
6. Participate or Collaborate
Attend a Rhythm Spells Experience
Experience the research environment first hand through a Rhythm Spells Experience taking place on Friday, 10 April 2026 at Notting Hill, London. Tickets available on Eventbrite
Contribute Your Perspective
Participants are invited to share reflections through optional feedback surveys following each event.
Collaborate
The project welcomes partnerships with:
• researchers and academic institutions
• NHS, public health organisations
• cultural institutions
• community wellbeing initiatives
Support This Work
The Rhythm Spells Project is currently seeking research partnerships, institutional collaborators, and funding support.
7. Updates and Research Findings
As the research evolves, reflections, findings, and insights will be shared through periodic updates.
Subscribe to LETTERS FROM CHINWE to follow the development of the project.