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Notes On Writing Musical Bios
When I listen to new music on Spotify, I sometimes check out the artist’s bio to see what else they’ve done, and more importantly, to see how they, or someone writing on their behalf, represent their work. Writing about musical sound and musical experience is difficult, because the writer is tasked with translating listening to,… Continue reading
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Notes On Quick Musical Assessments / Getting Granular With Musical Influences
As you listen to music, think through these questions: What is the music’s bpm (beats per minute)? Or is it in free rhythm? How many parts are there? What are the music’s most important or foregrounded sounds? Does the music rely on a lead + accompaniment format? What processing effects are used? Are they used… Continue reading
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Sketches: Afloat
Listen on Spotify and Apple Music. Continue reading
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Small Musical Failures As Non-Obvious Usage Paths
“Create non-obvious usage paths. In my experience, it’s the best algorithm.”– Dombaeb, KVR Audio In my work I notice a recurring pattern to small failures and the breakthroughs that sometimes follow them. Here is how the pattern plays out: 1. I’m doing my usual musical things, but nothing seems to be working. Nothing sounds interesting,… Continue reading
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“What you hear in music is just a hunch”: Musical Lessons From Harold Budd
Harold Budd, one of my favorite musicians, passed away last week. Budd began his career as a jazz drummer, and then began composing avant garde classical music. Finding influence in the work of painter Mark Rothko, composer John Cage, as well as medieval and renaissance musics, Budd turned away from the complexities of the avant… Continue reading
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