Post-Mendelian by Zubin Sagar Center for Neuroaesthetic Studies
The “Post-Mendelian” album explores genetic concepts basic and advanced from the central dogma of molecular biology to structural genetic components to Mendelian/ Post-Mendelian observations to current advances in gene editing while looking at it all through a holistic approach and a broad perspective overall viewpoint. Blending themes of astrology, cosmology and science with laid back grooves and Instrumental beats infused with layered textures, underlying melodies and atmospheric soundscapes through a variety of genres from Neo Psychedelia, Jazz Hop, Trap, Chillwave, Fusion and Jazztronica.
Though mainly a stylistic take and artistic interpretation on the subject, the album also aims to offer little nuggets of wisdom, insights and cheat codes to help visualize, recall and perhaps introduce a new perspective and innerstanding reading into the fascinating world of genetics. It celebrates Genetic Diversity and is a proponent for pushing towards advancing genetic literacy in India and throughout the World.
From the earliest of primordial creation, starting with 4 basic elements (carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen) to the 4 main Tattvas, elements of the zodiac - Fire, Earth, Air and Water, which repeat in a cyclical manner to form the 12 signs of the zodiac, to the 4 principle sources of nourishment required for sustenance (Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids and Water/Electrolytes). Similarly our DNAs are made up of sequences composed of 4 main nucleic base pairs ATGC (Adenine, Thymine, Guanine, Cytosine) and it just so happens the first letters of the first 4 zodiac signs correspond perfectly to this (Aries, Taurus, Gemini, Cancer) - ATGC. The idea behind the Zodiac Nucleotides series was derived from this concept.
Merging syncretistic teachings and cosmology, looking at the heliocentric world where the Sun represents the centre of our universe and all the planets revolve around it, mirrored in, in a similar fashion is the composition within each living cell, where the nucleus is akin to the sun, and the planets corresponding to the different organelles. Mars is to mitochondria, the energy powerhouse of the cell, Saturn is to the cell wall/cell membrane and so on. All is Atum and we are all unique emanations from the same source.
Operon GOD, revolves around the Operon concept, though mostly studied in bacteria, It highlights the Trimurti principle working on all levels within every living organism. The Trimurti being Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva which corresponds to the abbreviation of GOD (Generator, Operator, Destroyer) and how that analogy plays into the lac Operon model (promoter, operator, repressor) of gene regulation and gene expression.
PINK1, is one of several genes associated with Parkinson’s from PARK2, PARK7, LRRK2, SNCA etc,. And this track showcased here is the first of my renditions introducing music derived from DNA/ DNA Sonifications which I plan on exploring and expanding on in future upcoming albums (Polysynaptic Reflex Archestra) and other projects of mine. Similar to the process of Protein Music where RNA is used, DNA Sonifications is the process of converting DNA sequence data related to a particular gene into sounds. Here, I use a custom algorithm to map genetic sequences within a gene to music and combine it with elements of music therapy and music medicine, like in this case related to Parkinson’s that would be having a steady beat to follow, easy listening, walkable tempo etc,. to treat gait control, to stimulate and improve motor function and control.
Resources, References, Research -
The Human Genome Project - www.genome.gov/human-genome-project
Genome India Project - https://genomeindia.in/
IndiGenomes - https://academic.oup.com/nar/article/49/D1/D1225/5937082
University Of California Santa Cruz - UCSC Genome Browser - genome.ucsc.edu/index.html
Zodiac Sign/ Epigenetics - https://www.whatisepigenetics.com/your-zodiac-sign-and-epigenetics/
GitHub - DNA Synthesizer - https://futureofmaking.de/
University of Dayton - Coding DNA to Music - https://ecommons.udayton.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1047&context=uhp_theses
Music Therapy and Parkinson’s Disease - pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8582661/
**Additional Notes** - In the Zodiac Nucleotides Series - The nomenclature referencing nucleotides would actually be termed as phosphate group along with a nucleoside (Adenosine, Thymidine, Guanosine, Cytidine) but I have just mentioned them as their nucleic base pair name for ease of reference.
Tracklist
Credits
The idea for this album was conceived during my stay at Chikmagalur (Karnataka) specifically visiting the Annapurneshwari temple at Horanadu and later on refined during my Nutrigenomic studies at the Welocity Genetics Institute, Mumbai. It was during my studies here, creative connections formulated and a new found passion for genetics emerged.
Special thanks and gratitude to the Welocity Genetics (WIGNET) team - Mr. Stan Serrao (CMD, Welocity Genetics) and Ms. Riddhi Shah (Chief Genomic Educator, Nutrigenomics Counselor) and the batch of CCNG-14 (2025).
Mastering, Digital Artwork, Illustrations and final conceptualization for release were during the transit of Venus and Mercury in Pisces, Jupiter in Taurus and Mars in Gemini.
